Some 7,500 people from across the country joined World Vision in efforts to increase hunger awareness by pledging themselves to a 30-hour fast yesterday.
Thousands of locals in white camp T-shirts settled down at National Taiwan University's Sports Center in Taipei to support each other through the duration of World Vision Taiwan's annual 30-Hour Famine camp yesterday, all bound by the promise to consume nothing but liquids until 7:30pm tonight.
PHOTO: CHIANG YING-YING, TAIPEI TIMES
During the two-day camp, participants will be entertained with educational programming about hunger across the world, musical performances and speeches from celebrity supporters and hunger experts.
This year is the largest camp the organization has held since beginning the event, with 6,543 adults and 957 children participating.
"The Taiwanese people have so much love; it's amazing that there are over 7,000 people here," said William Lee (李威延), a World Vision Malaysia famine coordinator here to observe the proceedings.
The 15-year-old event has sparked lasting dedication among participants over the years, with many coming back year after year.
One example is Lo Yi-le (
"His parents have been coming to the camp for many years. They decided it was OK to bring the baby since he can only consume liquids anyway, which isn't against the rules," said Lo's grandmother Cho Pi-chu (
Another such devotee is Lin Yo-mao (
"I decided to join initially after reading about people in Africa and underdeveloped countries going for days without food. Since then, I've brought at least four other family members with me each year to the 30-Hour Famine," said the 83-year old Lin, who is this year's oldest participant.
Many groups attending the camp, in fact, have been to at least one 30-Hour famine before or were inspired by someone who has, said World Vision representatives.
What inspires such devotion? It's not necessarily the chance to donate money; the organization has donation hotlines for hunger relief operating all year around. Rather, it seems to be the overall experience that draws participants.
"I've made many good friends in the famine camp. From the famine experiences, I have learned to cherish things. Now there is nothing unpalatable to me," said Chen Shou-chuan (
"I feel that we have a sacred duty to perform here. It's important to get as many people attending the camp as possible to bring world attention to hunger," said Lin Yo-ma's son Lin Si-yi (
Organization representatives said that they are hoping to raise at least NT$100 million from the event. Funds will be used towards international and domestic emergency relief projects, pledged the organization.
To learn more about the 30-Hour Famine, see World Vision Taiwan's website at www.worldvision.org.tw or call the camp hotline at (02) 2585-6300. To donate funds as part of the event donation drive, call (02) 6638-9595.
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