Teens fight poverty and hunger through 30 Hour Famine

Mississauga, ON - Thousands of teens across Canada are gearing up for World Vision's 30 Hour Famine next week. The estimated 160,000 participants in Canada will go without solid food for 30 hours, drinking only water and juice on April 1 and 2.

The aim of the 30 Hour Famine is to increase awareness of world hunger and raise money for children in the poorest countries around the globe. Each day, nearly 30,000 children die from hunger and preventable diseases worldwide.

At events in churches and schools across Canada, fasting students will gather for activities aimed at learning about development issues.

Keshia Chanté, Canada's fastest rising R & B singer and Juno nominee, is helping raise awareness of the 30 Hour Famine as this year's spokesperson. "World Vision's 30 Hour Famine is a great way to get involved in fighting hunger, poverty and injustice around the world," said Keshia.

The goal for this year's 30 Hour Famine is to raise $5 million for programs that help reduce child malnutrition in Ghana, Mozambique, Senegal, Tanzania, Cambodia, Guatemala and Sri Lanka; care for children affected by HIV/AIDS; and bring fresh, clean water to communities in the Philippines, Senegal and Niger. A portion of the funds will go to rebuilding areas hit by the Southeast Asia tsunami.

Anyone interested in joining the 30 Hour Famine can call 1-888-8FAMINE or visit www.famine.ca

World Vision is an international Christian humanitarian relief and development organization, working in more than 90 countries helping approximately 85 million people each year. Canadians sponsor more than 310,000 children through World Vision.