More than 50,000 people participated in a 30-hour fasting campaign in Greater Kaohsiung on Saturday to raise awareness of world hunger, organizers said.
Rock star Wu Bai (伍佰) and the Performing Art Company launched the annual “Famine Hero Rally” with a flag and percussion performance at the Kaohsiung National Stadium, while Greater Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chu (陳菊) danced with rally participants, World Vision Taiwan said.
Wu, who is the ambassador for the 24th 30-Hour Famine, also shared his observations on the southern African nation of Lesotho, which he visited early last month, the charity said.
World Vision Taiwan president Tu Ming-han (杜明翰) said he was touched by the record turnout at this year’s rally and called on participants to continue taking action to help children and families suffering from hunger throughout the world.
Participants, ranging from ages three to 67, were to fast for 30 hours to raise awareness of children and families affected by hunger, war, natural disasters and disease in Taiwan and abroad.
A concert was held at 3:30pm on Saturday, featuring Wang Leehom (王力宏), Harlem Yu (庾澄慶), Fanfan, William Wei (韋禮安), Claire Kuo (郭靜), Kan-kan (康康), JPM and Biung Wang (王宏恩).
The campaign is seeking to raise NT$400 million (US$13.49 million) this year to support hungry children and families in Taiwan and abroad.
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