MONTREAL - A group of Chateauguay students went to bed hungry last night in a bid to raise funds for famine relief.
A fundraiser for World Vision's 30-Hour Famine, about 50 grade 11 students at Howard S. Billings High School raised $3,300 for the cause.
"They've taken on this initiative because they really believe in mobilizing students and making a difference within our school and within our community," said principal Mike Helm.
Though they were permitted water, juice, gum and a bowl of rice, most resisted, instead distracting themselves by playing video games and watching movies at the school, where they spent Friday night and Saturday.
The students said the sacrifice is worth it to play a small role in reducing hunger worldwide.
Nearly one billion people – or one in six on the planet – go to bed hungry each night. In addition, nearly 8,000 children under the age of five die due to hunger-related causes each day.
"You hear about it on the TV and you see movies and stuff, but a lot of people don't realize how bad it is," said student Robyn Young. "We are so lucky to have everything we have in our country, so why not try to make a difference in someone else's life?"
Student Jennifer Hay said that sacrificing to raise awareness might have left her belly empty but her spirit full.
"It feels great," she said. "Even if you are one person or a group of fifty, you can make a really big difference."
At the end of the 30 hours, the teens had earned a new appreciation for the privilege of eating. Some noticed that the food was more delicious after going hungry.
"Food has never tasted this good," said one student.
"It makes us appreciate where we stand," said another.
