Leong (centre), Pong (fourth from right) and Chang (third from right) with other partners and sponsors. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star
IN an effort to raise awareness about hunger and poverty, World Vision Malaysia is calling on Malaysians to “Right the Wrong” in its upcoming annual fundraising and advocacy campaign.
Local Malaysian artistes Joe Chang and Jeii Pong, were among those appointed as the Changemakers for this year’s 30-Hour Famine campaign.
Over the past 27 years, the campaign had emphasised individual responsibility in making sustainable choices.
These include reducing food waste, making sustainable food choices, recycling and reusing to create long-term impacts.
World Vision Malaysia chief executive officer Terry Leong said challenges over the decades such as climate change, international conflicts, Covid-19 pandemic, escalating prices, and economic instabilities add to the poverty-hunger vicious cycle.
“We at World Vision think that change is possible. The escalation of issues today should spur us to rise above despair, to explore new ways and means to engage and advocate,” she said at the event launch in Pavilion Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur.
World Vision Malaysia had enlisted local artistes to contribute to this effort as changemakers, aiming to engage more people and drive participation.
Pong said everyone could be a changemaker and hoped to inspire others to join the movement.
“We don’t need to be rich in order to help others,” she said.
Chang, a radio announcer, shared about the importance of children understanding hunger and scarcity, and suggested alternatives like reducing gadget use for those too young to fast.
For more engagement and support, a 30-Hour Famine Festival is scheduled to be held starting Sept 7 at the same venue, in partnership with Pingmin Market.
This year, World Vision Malaysia aims to raise RM1.2mil, engaging 10,000 participants in the process.
The funds will support the organisation’s community development efforts in Lebanon, Sri Lanka and Democratic Republic of the Congo, providing communities with health, nutrition and livelihood assistance.
Locally, the funds will benefit the organisation’s work in Sabah and One Goal Malaysia’s Eat Right to Play Right Programme, combating child malnutrition through sports.
Participants have several options to engage, including the one-day DIY camp, full 30-hour DIY camp or the child-friendly 8-Hour Kidz Famine.
Individuals can also opt for solo participation, raising funds and increasing awareness of the issues, using the materials provided.
