KUALA LUMPUR, 7 AUGUST 2016: An estimated 14,000 young Malaysians gathered at Stadium Malawati, Shah Alam today (7 August) for the final lap of their 30-hour fast to raise funds for communities living in poverty and hunger.
These participants of World Vision Malaysia’s 30-Hour Famine 2016 have, to date, raised RM2.3 million for projects that fight hunger and poverty internationally and within Malaysia. They achieved this by requesting families and friends to donate towards their 30-hour fast.
In total, over 30,000 participants spread across 198 camps took part in this mega-event across the country, learning about hunger and poverty with other like-minded peers. Of the total, 14,000 were able to make it to the final Countdown, contributing to the electrifying atmosphere at the Stadium.
For the final hours of their fast, Famine participants were treated to performances by local and international artistes. They also took part in interactive games and learning sessions.
The highlight of the Countdown was a special appearance by this year’s 30-Hour Famine Ambassador — Malaysian-born singer-songwriter Gary Chaw. To boost the spirit of the participants, Chaw performed a number of songs and shared on his experience visiting a local beneficiary with World Vision Malaysia
Chaw said: “The 30-Hour Famine is a great way to contribute to a meaningful cause because we are making a real and lasting difference in the lives of those less fortunate than we are. Thanks to all of you, the children whom we help can have a better future.”
Sharing the stage with Gary were Francissca Peter, Yise, Alvin Chong, Athena, Bell, Bobby Lee, Daniel Lee, Fuying & Sam, Dickson Chai, Juztin, Danny One, Danny Boy, Jieying, Melody Chen, Nicole Lai, Peace Teo, StarPark, Colour of Voices and Zen. Other performers include sand artist Loong Bee, dance crew HyperActive and Lee Wushu Arts Theatre.
Other personalities who also made appearances were model and presenter Deborah Henry, celebrity emcee William Lee as well as Xiao Yu, Chrystina and Gary Yap from 8TV; Mei Yan, Jeff Chin, Royce, Yoon, Wayne, Jym and Catherine from MY FM; Dragon, Phoebe, Amelyn, Boey and Sumi from Melody FM and Jeffrey, Jan Chin, Fabian Loo, Pauline Tan, Chan Ee Kiat and Tan Ley Teng from ntv7.
World Vision Malaysia CEO Dato’ Ir. K J Abraham said: “Every year, the 30-Hour Famine exposes Malaysian youths to the stark reality of hunger and poverty, and spurs them to do something about it.
“Through the years, we have seen how the 30-Hour Famine has brought people together and made them realise that, individually and collectively, they can create hope and change for those who need it most.”
Funds raised through the 30-Hour Famine 2016 and 8-Hour Kidz Famine, a child-friendly version of the event, will be channelled to projects focusing primarily on nutrition, health and food security. These projects are initiated by World Vision in Malaysia, the Philippines, India, China, Vietnam, Myanmar, Thailand and Mongolia.
Local beneficiaries are the Dignity for Children Foundation, Yayasan Sin Chew’s WeCare, Beautiful Gate Foundation for the Disabled, Fugee School, as well as World Vision’s Education, Health, Child Protection and Economic Development, and Leadership Training Programmes in Sabah.
Members of the public who wish to donate towards the event can do so online via World Vision Malaysia’s 30-Hour Famine website: http://30hourfamine.my/ or call World Vision Malaysia at 03-78806414.
Corporate partners for the 30-Hour Famine 2016 are event founding partner Sin Chew Daily, principal sponsor HELP University and major sponsor V-Soy. Other sponsors are Empire Hotel, SEIKO, MyElephant, Love Earth, OPPO and Mighty White.
