Famine income tops $2million

World Vision's 40-Hour Famine income for this year has hit the two million dollar mark. Already bringing in 24% more than at the same time last year, this year's Famine looks set to hit the $2.7 million mark when the funds have all been deposited.

Geoff Sharp, Famine Manager, says the ingenuity and creativity used by many students made a significant difference to the amount of money being raised. Students used their local business communities to get prizes for top fundraising students. Others did technology famines or chose some other form of sacrifice that would hurt just as much as going without food.

"It's really amazing what teenagers can do," says Mr Sharp. "They've raised $2 million already and we're on target to hit around $2.7 million in the end. Adults in fundraising don't have half as much success. If you want to raise money, get teenagers to do it and just see what they can achieve!"

It is important to remember says Geoff Sharp, "that money translates into projects which translates into saving and changing lives. And because we're ahead of target, we have more money to invest in more projects to help more people. It's absolutely fantastic."

Money from this year's Famine will go to fund Street Children and Child Labour projects in Bangladesh, India, Cambodia, Mali and Mongolia, a transitional programme in East Timor, and a refugee kitchen on the Iraq border. Money is also going to help with food security in Tanzania, Mali, Niger, Zambia and Malawi ? countries severely affected by the current famine in Africa.

Geoff Sharp would like to send a reminder to anyone who did the 40 Hour Famine and who still has money to bank, to contact their school or area representative to have it banked. "Even if it's 50 cents, it all counts, so please bank it."

© Scoop Media