30-Hour Famine History and Background

Things you should know about: 30-Hour Famine...
The 30-Hour Famine is a global movement against hunger and poverty. Over the years, the 30-Hour Famine has gained a reputation as one of the biggest and most fun fundraising event in the world particularly among youths and young adults.

By going without solid food for 30 hours, you can bring change to the lives of those impacted by hunger and poverty. You can give them access to improved health care, a better quality of life and most importantly, HOPE for a brighter tomorrow.

Participants will have an opportunity to get a first-hand simulated experience of living life in dire conditions through various Famine Challenges and educational movies. At the end of the fasting period, participants will break-fast together at their respective DIY Camp venues or to participate in the the 30-Hour Famine centralised Countdown event.

30-Hour Famine around the world
It is no ordinary movement

The 30-Hour Famine is a global movement against hunger and poverty participated by 11 other World Vision offices around the world.

How did it start?

The movement first started in Canada in 1971 when a group a youth decided raise funds and fast for 36 hours to experience hunger in respond to the famine in Ethiopia.

Is it still the same as before?

Today, the movement has evolved beyond food and age, but the objective remains – to bring change and hope to those who are living in hunger and poverty.

Some Famine participants from offices like Australia and New Zealand may choose not only to give up solid food but also their mobile phone, music, television and even talking. On top of it, they are doing it for 40 hours!

In 2008, World Vision Malaysia introduced its very first Do-It-Yourself (DIY) concept and it was well received by the public. 50 DIY camps were organised around Peninsular Malaysia and they were headed by volunteer camp leaders who underwent intensive training with World Vision Malaysia.

What do I get in return?

An unforgettable learning experience! You will be exposed to issues on hunger and poverty, the need to battle poverty and injustice, and more importantly, hope for those who are in need.

30-Hour Famine in Malaysia
How did it start?

The first 30-Hour Famine in Malaysia started back in 1997 and it was a joint effort between World Vision Malaysia and Sin Chew Daily in response to the famine in North Korea. Funds poured in and a record of RM2.6 million was raised.

What happened next?

The 30-Hour Famine slowly gained its popularity. Major corporates joined the movement by offering their support in terms of sponsorship. In the year 2002, HELP University College came on board and played host for both the English and Chinese camps. Thanks to the strong media support, the 30-Hour Famine movement in Malaysia continues to attract more of the public to participate in this movement.

30-Hour Famine Do-It-Yourself Camps
In the year 2008, 30-Hour Famine was introduced in a new format, the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) format. This enabled people from other states in Malaysia to take part in the Famine movement. 50 DIY camps were held across Peninsular Malaysia in, after which campers attended a star-studded countdown event.

Still up and moving!

The 30-Hour Famine movement continues to gain support from both old and new participants. New elements such as the 8-Hour Kidz Famine for children aged 12 and below was introduced to educate the younger generation on social concerns and Famine Youth Leaders who were given an opportunity to learn more about World Vision’s work and to share with their peers and the public.

Resource from Famine Malaysia Website