Thousands of Teens to Fast for World's Poor

Thousands of teenagers across the UK will take part in World Vision's 24-Hour Famine when it takes place 9-11 February.

The annual event is now in its 21st year of encouraging young people from across the UK to go without food and experience hunger for one day while raising money for the charity through sponsorship and fundraising activities.

Among many youth groups participating in the project is X:cavate, a youth group at St James Church in Clitheroe.

Explains Jo Pellet, youth leader of X:cavate: "Choosing to go hungry for one day is easy, and it's worth it. It's our way of helping those who go hungry every day.

"It's also beneficial for young people to look outwards and focus on issues that are happening all over the world, and play their part in helping to change those situations."

Speaking for World Vision, Matt Wenham, their 24-Hour Famine national co-ordinator, said:
"Over the past 20 years, more than one million teenagers in the UK have raised £20m for hungry communities overseas.

"We are so happy that X:cavate has decided to join this project. One day out of their life can make a lifetime's difference to a child in Zambia.

"Doing the 24-Hour Famine will mean that World Vision can continue to provide vulnerable young farmers with the tools and training they need to bring in better crops and keep their families fed. It's life-saving work - and it just takes a day to raise the money!"

In addition, popular British rock star, Lil' Chris, has joined a host of celebrities including TV favourites Nikki Sanderson, Debra Stephenson and Sarah Jayne Dunn, along with upcoming band, The Holloways, in showing their support for World Vision's 2007 24 Hour Famine.