Feature Article March 20, 2002
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30-Hour Famine at Sharbot Lake High Schoolby Kristin RideoutOn April 5 and 6, the Sharbot Lake High School will be participating in the 30-Hour Famine for World Vision. This is an annual tradition for them, as they have been doing it now for many years. This year they are hoping to raise $3,000, and have more than 60 students and teachers participate.
World Visions 30-Hour Famine is a fundraiser that happens all over Canada (probably all over the world too), but it mostly happens at high schools. Students give up food for 30 hours, and collect donations to support World Visions Child Relief Projects.
The 30-Hour Famine is being organized by a committee of students, and teachers who supervise it. The students who are organizing it are Jessie Cronk, Catherine Koch, and Julie White. They are being helped by these other student volunteers: Douglas Allison, Arthur Cota, Josh Clark, Christine Crawford, Ashley Dew, Colin Gray, Katie Howes, Gian Kaillon, Dustan Novak, Meredith Rush-Inglis, Melissa Staniforth, and Casey Hartwick. The two main teachers who are supervising are Gary Giller and Randy McVety.
The committee is very grateful to the teachers for all their support and help. Without them, the students would not have a place to have the Famine, and so would not be able to do it. They are also grateful to all the parents, who are so supportive; who allow their kids to participate, sponsor them, and then they go out of their way to pick them up once it's all over.
Last year, the Sharbot Lake High School had support from businesses within the community, such as Bob's Petro-Can, Gray's Grocery, Harvey's Valu-mart, Ram's Esso; and also from businesses farther away, such as The Bargain Shop, Giant Tiger, and McDonalds from Perth. This year, they are hoping that the community will once again give its support in any way possible.
During the 30-hour fast, the students and teachers stay at the school and do activities. They have a dance, play sports, have all-day movies, games, music, etc During the whole 30 hours, the only thing they can consume is water and juice.
The students reasons for participating in the Famine is not only to help raise money, but also to give them the chance to understand the needs of people in developing countries. It really does give you a feel for what it's like not being able to eat. It completely changes your views, and it's also a good way to bond with your fellow classmates and raise school spirit. I myself took part in the 30-Hour Famine for the past 2 years at my high school in Toronto. It's fun, yet it can be very tiring at times.
I hope you all have a good time and that you reach your goal of $3,000 or more. Good luck!
Kristin Rideout wrote this last article just before the Sharbot Lake Katimavikers moved on to New Brunswick. We wish the group all the best in their new community.
