Celebrities partner with Canadian youth in campaign to end world hunger

World Vision 30 Hour Famine celebs join youth to raise awareness about poverty

MISSISSAUGA, ON, April 7 /CNW/ - Canadian celebrities such as rock band Faber Drive, singer-songwriter Karl Wolf and athletes Mike Fisher and Joannie Rochette, are joining 2010 Juno nominees Danny Fernandes, LIGHTS, Shiloh and The New Cities to encourage youth throughout Canada to sign-up and do the World Vision 30 Hour Famine. One of Canada's longest running youth campaigns, the 30 Hour Famine is a social movement that raises funds for community projects targeted at ending hunger and poverty in developing countries. In a show of solidarity with the world's hungry, participants go without food for 30 hours.

This year will also see the introduction of an online broadcast aimed at connecting youth across the nation. Canadian youth coast to coast, can visit Famine.ca and post messages, watch videos and interact online. "It's an online party for socially aware and active youth," says Eva Harden, World Vision regional team leader in Vancouover. Danny Fernandes, Faber Drive, LIGHTS and Shiloh will also be featured on the broadcast. Much Music VJ, Sarah Taylor will be unveiling a documentary of her March trip to Malawi with World Vision.

    
    WHAT:  Famine event - national online broadcast
    WHEN:  Friday, April, 16, 2010
    TIME:  7 p.m. to 9 p.m. EST
    WHERE: Live at Famine.ca
    

Faber Drive recently visited the Dominican Republic to see Famine funded projects that have helped to bring better health to children and families living without access to basic necessities like food and water.

"We want to inspire youth to rise to the challenge and participate in the Famine," says Faber, lead-singer of Faber Drive. "Going without food for 30 hours is something most Canadians have never had to experience. We all take things like having access to food and water for granted. If every teen could donate to the cause, we would be able to reach the Famine's goal of $5 million, no problem."

World Vision expects 100,000 youth across the country to participate in the 2010 Famine. Funds raised will continue to support on-going programs targeted at eradicating hunger, poverty and injustice around the world. A portion of the funds will also go to help Haiti relief and long-term development projects.

For further information: or to arrange an interview, please contact: Karen Flores, [phone] ext. 3497, [email protected]