Wednesday, April 18, 2007 · Page 11 Teens going hungry for a cause BY DANIEL SCHWAB National 30 Hour Famine days wrapped up at the end of last week, but a spokesperson for World Vision Canada is stressing the importance of making the event a year-round initiative. The non-profit organization, which helps impoverished and malnourished families worldwide, is now in its 36th year of sponsoring 30 Hour Famine events. Tina Barisky, a WVC campaign representative, said the famine is Canada's largest youth event and helps empower young people to take a stand against poverty. "I think there's a growing trend with youth becoming more passionate in society," Barisky said. "As they are encouraged, we're not only helping people in other countries, but we're also helping young Canadians tap into their potential." Each willing participant or youth organization receives pledge sheets from WVC and is encouraged to raise funds before gathering together to go hungry for a 30-hour stretch. The events are often Members of the Humanities Club at EDHS, above, are making plans to hold a 30 Hour Famine event June 8 to 9. filled with activities and information sessions, where teens can learn about poverty and famine in the world. This year, the majority of the funding will be heading to Africa. Barisky said along with food being sent to some countries, a focus will be put on agricultural training for farmers and the development of clean water. Low-cost, low-maintenance wells will be created in Zimbabwe, pre-natal care will be offered in Kenya and residents of a number of countries will be educated about HIV/AIDS. Last year, more than 112,000 participants raised $5.17 million nation-wide for WVC projects. Locally, one Essex District High School group is gearing up to hold their own 30 Hour Famine event June 8-9. The Humanities Club, founded in January by Grade 11 student Kate Murray, will have about a dozen members raising funds to help wipe out global hunger. Murray said the club will be looking into getting more students involved with 30 Hour Famine. The 17-year-old said she felt the need to start up a program that would help support less fortunate people around the world. "We have some great clubs at our school, but there really wasn't anything dealing with people of the world, global issues and what it means to be a global citizen," she said. "We have a great group." On May 17, the club will be hosting a Cultural Diversity Night at EDHS. Admission is $5 or two canned goods, which will go to the Essex Food Bank. The event will feature performances, displays, art, food and music. All funding generated at the event will go to WVC. OLD-TYME MELODY Canadian fiddle champion Scott Woods performs alongside accordion player Kendra Norris during a sold-out show at the Essex United Church Friday. The two-hour concert of old-time music offered the audience a sound reminiscent of rural Canadian barn dances. The event was a fundraiser for a new heating and cooling unit in the church. Celebrate Individual Choices How did he spend his time? What made her smile? In what did he believe? Each life is filled with unique experiences and relationships. It makes sense to celebrate and honour these individual differences. By asking and answering questions, taking care of necessary documents and details, we will help you with these choices. Reid Funeral Home Limited 87 Maidstone Avenue East, Essex Craig & Lorna Baker Funeral Directors www.reidfuneralhome.ca 776-4233