40 Hour Famine

The World Vision NZ’s 40 Hour Challenge is an initiative which encourages young people to join in with any 40 Hour Challenge. Based from a Christian background, their main goal is to prove that seeking justice just as Jesus did can overcome global challenges. They are currently working towards reducing the amount of children living in poverty as well as climate change. 

To complete the 40 Hour Challenge, you either give up something or complete a challenge in 40 hours. Examples include giving up your phone for 40 hours or running 40 km in 40 hours. 

This year’s World Vision NZ 40 Hour Challenge was held on the 21st of June 8pm until midday of the 23rd of June. Once the participants choose their challenge, they set up an online fundraising site. All the money raised will be donated to vulnerable children, farmers, climate smart businesses and more. 

Sophia Adamson, one of the participants of the 40 Hour Challenge from Carmel College, completed the ‘fasting for 40 hours’ challenge. She stated that, “[T]he first 15 hours I felt good, I wasn’t getting too hungry and I was able to continue with my day as normal. After the 15 hour mark I started to get hungry. I became angry and got easily upset when others were eating. When it came to dinner time I was really hungry and desperate to eat. I pushed through to the morning and hit the 40 hour mark. I ended up raising $280 and felt very accomplished.” Sophia exclaimed how surreal the thrill she felt was when she hit the 40 hour mark and that she was even happier that it was for a beneficial cause. She also said, “I would highly recommend completing the 40 Hour Challenge in years to come. You can help raise money for a wonderful charity.”

Joining in with one of the challenges allows young people to experience difficulties which are faced by people daily. However, they learn to overcome these challenges because they have an aim to fundraise for the people who live through these difficulties. 

This creative and interactive yet impactful event is a great way for many young people to learn valuable lessons about ongoing challenges and make a difference.

“Together, we can regreen our future.” 

Romy Lee