Empty stomachs are on the menu with the return of the 30-hour Famine.
The world’s biggest youth fundraiser, backed in part by Stelly’s students and teachers, brings the World Vision initiative to the Peninsula in support of less fortunate communities around the world.
“This event has become a bit of a tradition here at Stelly’s, passed from one group of students to the next. We help each other learn about people beyond our school doors,” said teacher Catherine Wallace. “As a teacher it is important to me we learn how fortunate we are and how we can make a big difference in the world.”
The teacher sponsor for the annual event that raises funds for communities in need of clean water, food, education and safety protocols, is excited to see students unselfishly working towards a common goal.
“As a teacher of humanities at Stelly’s, I like helping people learn about being human. Part of that is showing compassion to those we will never meet in the world,” she said. “Perhaps that gives us more opportunities to be more compassionate to people in our own life.”
Kayleen Rischmiller, 17, has taken that philosophy to heart. The Grade 12 student was encouraged by the teacher to participate in Grade 10, where she was so moved she decided to take over the event the following year. This year Rischmiller takes the reigns for the final time, alongside her duties with the school’s Amnesty International club – hoping to make it the best event yet.
“The 30-hour Famine is something I enjoyed taking over, volunteering is a passion of mine,” Rischmiller said. “When you do hands on volunteering it helps you see the difference you are making and I really enjoy that.”
Last year approximately 20 students participated by gathering pledges to the tune of $2,200, this year she hopes more students and more pledges will push the total past the $2,500 barrier in her final year in high school.
“The night of the famine is always really fun. We do a lot of different activities and everyone stays at school and has a good time,” Rischmiller said. “It is probably my favourite part, and it is good to know you are not just sitting around having fun. We are raising awareness.”
Just back from Nepal where she helped build a women’s shelter, Rischmiller said her time there proved to be an eye opener, focusing her attention on the importance of the tasks ahead of her.
Fasting starts midnight April 27 and through school the next day where they miss breakfast and lunch. Activities begin 3:30 p.m. with games, a viewing of movie Hotel Rwanda, and educational activities filling the hours where they might eat dinner and through the wee hours where they sleep on the gymnasium floor. Everyone shares in a hearty breakfast the morning of April 28.
“It is important we realize not everyone has the same opportunities we do in Canada. It is important to help out others to hopefully get where we are,” Rischmiller said. “With the famine it is one thing where you know you are making a difference with this… You are helping others get involved in the global community.”
To donate to the cause contact the Stelly’s school office 250-652-4401.