Over one billion people around the world live in abject poverty. In fact, 50,000 people die every day from poverty-related causes, with one child dying every three seconds.
But it doesn't have to be this way—we can make a difference.
Make Poverty History Movement
In 2005, Make Poverty History was launched to end global poverty. It was the world's largest anti-poverty movement.
Today, Make Poverty History campaigns run in more than 80 countries. These campaigns fight against man-made factors that contribute to poverty such as unjust global trade systems and debt burdens in developing countries.
Canada's campaign calls for urgent policy changes through increased and more effective aid, trade justice, and debt cancellation.
Canadians Get Creative
Canadians are showing ingenuity and creativity as they adopt different ways to get involved and draw awareness to the cause.
Newlyweds have exchanged white bands, while activists have displayed a gigantic "Cancel the Debt" sign in a parking garage across from federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty's office.
A more dramatic example is the event undertaken by engineering students on Halloween 2005. With a crane, they hoisted a gigantic pumpkin with the words "Make Poverty History." Once the pumpkin was raised, they let it fall. The big splash as it hit the ground gained attention for the cause. Proceeds from admission charged went to the campaign.
Campaign supporters also gathered with giant Post-it® notes in front of Prime Minister Stephen Harper's office to remind him to include poverty on the agenda at Moscow's G8 meeting.
Students at the University of Prince Edward Island led a Walking Tour of Poverty of Charlottetown, which highlighted the local and global nature of poverty.
Month of Action
This year, September 16 to October 17 has been designated as the Month of Action for the Make Poverty History movement. Why not get involved and undertake your own creative action?
Stand Up Against Poverty
On Sunday, October 15, convince your church, co-workers, friends, and family to stand up and be counted. People around the world will be standing up to show their support for ending poverty—and they'll set an official world record in the process.
