Media Alert:
Thursday 21st May

Kiwis “Raise the Stakes” for the 40 Hour Famine

Tonight (Friday 22nd, 8pm), over 120,000 Kiwis will join World Vision in “Raising the Stakes” for the 40 Hour Famine.

“Raising the Stakes” is all about challenging one another to see who can make the biggest difference for children living in poverty overseas. Thousands of New Zealanders from schools, church groups, universities and businesses around the country, are taking part.

World Vision’s acting-CEO, Les Stephenson says that after 34 years the 40 Hour Famine remains a relevant and iconic Kiwi fundraising event, challenging participants to play their part in the fight against global poverty.

“It’s inspiring to see so many Kiwis behind the Famine. This year, we’re even seeing World Record attempts including a 40 hour beatboxing challenge, 40 hour trainathon and 30 hour chemistry class,” says Mr Stephenson.

Skyrocketing food prices, coupled with the global economic crisis, means the stakes are even higher for millions of children in developing countries who are hungry and malnourished. Families are struggling to survive, unable to provide the basics that growing children need, such as nutritious food, healthcare and a decent education.

But there is hope and so much World Vision can achieve through the help of New Zealanders participating in the 40 Hour Famine.

“To combat the Global Food Crisis, World Vision is going to support food and nutrition programmes in Bangladesh – helping thousands of children who are hungry and malnourished to reach their full potential,” says Mr Stephenson.

In 2009, Famine funds will also contribute to the building of classrooms in Zambia so children can receive an education, and the provision of rainwater tanks to schools in Tanzania to reduce diseases caused by dirty water. In addition, World Vision will set aside funds raised in the 40 Hour Famine for emergency relief, so when a disaster strikes they can respond immediately.

The 40 Hour Famine officially runs from Friday 22, 8pm – Sunday 24 May, 12pm.

This year, New Zealanders are “Raising the Stakes” in many unique ways.

40-hour Beat-boxing marathon! (Wellington)
Three-time NZ Champion beat-boxer, King Homeboy, has his eye on a World Record by beat-boxing for 40 hours to “Raise the Stakes” for the 40 Hour Famine. If successful, Homeboy will smash the current World Record of 24 hours. In the spirit of the 40 Hour Famine, he won’t be eating either, but will be allowed a 20-second break for a drink every hour.
Key details
Date: Friday May 22 from 5pm – Sunday May 24 at 12pm
Location: Civic Square, Wellington

40-hour Trainathon (Auckland):
Motorsport trio, Jono Lester, Alistair Wooten and Michael Burdett, are trading the race-track for the treadmill at the Millennium Institute of Sport, where they will be pushing their endurance levels to the limit. By completing the equivalent of one month’s fitness training in 40 hours over the Famine weekend, the three young drivers hope to raise awareness and heaps of funds for children living in poverty. Throughout their 40-hour stint they will cycle, spin, run, walk, cross train, do weights and swim.
Key details: Date: Friday May 22 from 5pm – Sunday May 24 at 9am
Location: Millennium Institute of Sport, North Shore

40 Hours of Slum Life (Wellington):
How to survive in a slum? Exchanging comfy beds for shelters of cardboard, scrap wood and tarpaulins, a group of Wellington students, led by Jemma Hartley, 17, (Queen Margaret College) will brave the cold by living in simulated slum conditions in Frank Kitts Park to raise awareness and funds for the World Vision 40 Hour Famine. For sustenance, the regular teenage fare of pizza and burgers will be replaced by modest helpings of rice and lentils for the duration of their “slum existence”. The Wellington City Council supporting the students in their endeavours.
Key details
Date: Friday May 22 from 5pm – Sunday May 24 at 9am
Location: Frank Kitts Park, Wellington CBD

40 Hours Window-shopping (Invercargill)
Shop till you drop for a worthy cause! Students from the James Hargest College will be living in the store window of H&J Smith Department Store over the Famine weekend. They will also be completing the no- food and technology 40 Hour Famine.
Key details
Date: Friday May 22 at 5pm – Sunday May 24 at 12pm
Location: H&J Smith Department store, Invercargill

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