40 Hour Famine
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The 40 Hour Famine is an annual charitable event held by World Vision Australia. The event aims for young Australians to feel empathy for the lack of food which children in third world countries struggle with, and to raise money to help children in these countries.
Participants must first raise money through sponsorship from other people. Participants must then abstain from food or a first world luxury (such as television) for 40 hours. The event officially runs from 8pm on Friday 18 August to noon on Sunday 20 August. Participants may choose another time to fast, but must ensure all money raised is given to World Vision on 30 September.
The 40 Hour Famine is also held in New Zealand in March every year. Participants go without food or technology for up to 40 hours, or can create their own famine. These unique famines include things such as refraining from talking, living in a cardboard box, or being blindfolded.
World Vision runs a similar event in the United States and Canada called 30 Hour Famine, in which group fast for 30 hours. A youth leader of Millen Baptist Church in Georgia started this offshoot when looking for a way to stimulate the interest in hunger issues. His group was featured on CNN Headline News and was nominated by Congressman Lindsay Thomas for a Presidential Point of Light Award.
