Hunger is not a game. It is a reality for many. Bayside Secondary School students have a solution. They will be holding a 24-hour fast to raise money for local food banks and the school's Food for Learning program.
On Friday, May 29, 2015, more than 230 students at Bayside Secondary School will go without food for 24 hours to raise as much money and awareness as possible about hunger in the Quinte area.
Student co-chairs, Mara Whitford and Hailey Proud, have spearheaded the planning of this event and have learned a lot from the experience.
"Planning this event has opened our eyes to a problem that goes unnoticed every day. Through 24 Hours for Hunger we hope to raise awareness about hunger in our community and empower students to create positive change."
The fast begins Friday morning at 8:00 a.m. Participants will find the school day extra challenging as they won't have that all important fuel for the brain: food! When they return to school at 6:00 p.m., they will enjoy overnight activities such as music, karaoke, games, sports, movies, and of course, sleep! Students will break the 24-hour fast at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 30 and will be rewarded with a feast.
Parents and community members are encouraged to attend a Silent Auction on Friday, May 29 at 6 p.m. Monies raised from this event will go to 24 Hours for Hunger. Guests are welcome to stay for the opening ceremonies at 7:30 p.m.
"I am so impressed by the caring nature of our students," says Karen Morrow, BSS teacher and 24 Hours for Hunger Supervisor. "They are aware of the needs of our community and our committee members have been willing to put in all the hours it takes to organize a big event like 24 Hours for Hunger. I know, and they know, that they can make a difference!"
In 2010, Bayside Secondary School became the first high school in Canada to host the 24 Hours for Hunger Campaign, raising $10,000 for local food banks and Bayside's Food for Learning programme. They held an even more successful event in 2012. What sets 24 Hours for Hunger apart from other similar famines is that 100 percent of the funds are used to fight hunger since the event pays for any overhead costs through community donation.
For more information:
Karen Morrow (Event Supervisor) [email protected]
Bayside Secondary School
Phone: 613 966-2922, ext. 2126