World Vision announces 40th, 40 Hour Famine

World Vision announces 40th, 40 Hour Famine
Aid and development agency World Vision has announced the dates and recipient of funds for this years’ 40th, 40 Hour Famine.

More than 2.5 million Kiwis have participated in what is arguably New Zealand’s most successful and iconic fundraising drive, over the past four decades. Through their generosity, $72 million has been raised for World Vision’s emergency and sustainable development work around the world.

“We are extraordinarily appreciative to the millions of Kiwis who’ve helped us improve and save lives over the past 40 years. For a little country, we have managed to make a huge difference in the fight against poverty,” says World Vision CEO Chris Clarke.

This years’ 40 Hour Famine will begin at 8pm on Friday the 23rd of May and end at midday Sunday the 25th of May. The money raised will go to Malawi in south-east Africa which is in the midst of a severe food crisis brought on by extreme weather conditions. Further, one in eight children there don’t make it to their 5thbirthday.

The funds will be used to address issues of food insecurity and nutrition, as well as long-term sustainable agriculture projects and community health initiatives.

“We really encourage any Kiwi who has ever participated to help Malawi this year. You can do the Famine yourself, sponsor someone who is, or make a one-off donation via our website”.

World Vision has also announced the four celebrity teams participants can align themselves with when they sign-up online. They are:

Team Yellow: The Edge Night Show hosts Marty Hehewerth and Steph Monks
Team Blue: The Blues rugby players Francis Saili and Lolagi Visinia
Team Red: The Crusaders rugby players Codie Taylor and Jordan Taufua
Team Green: The 4.30 Show’s Massad Barakat-Devine, Eve Palmer and Michael Lee

Team Yellow’s Marty who travelled to Malawi with World Vision late last year says, “I feel hugely passionate about raising awareness and money for Malawi because I’ve seen first-hand how much they need our help. I think we should feel lucky that we're in a situation where we can help others”.

The rivalry between the teams is sure to heat-up this year with two hailing from the North of the country, and two from the South.

Team Blue’s Francis recalls doing the 40 Hour Famine at school and says it’s great to now be an ambassador. “Hopefully we’ll see lots of people sign-up to do the Famine with Team Blue!”

However, Team Red’s Jordan is urging participants to ignore the other teams because “Team Red is going to dominate!”

Meanwhile, the front-runner for the wackiest Famine undertaking thus far goes to Team Green’s Massad who has vowed to go without shoes for 40 hours over Famine weekend.

ENDS

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