Today, Youth Affairs Minister, Paula Bennett will start a 40 Hour Famine to raise money for World Vision’s relief efforts in Haiti.

Having set herself a target of $10,000, Ms Bennett has already raised almost $9000! She will join tens of thousands of generous Kiwis who have donated over $1.5 million to date to World Vision’s Haiti Appeal, after a devastating earthquake struck the island on January 12.

World Vision’s CEO, Chris Clarke, says the money raised, will help with ongoing relief operations, as well as long-term rehabilitation and recovery programmes in the poverty-stricken nation.

“We really appreciate the Minister’s energy and enthusiasm to support our humanitarian relief efforts in Haiti by doing the 40 Hour Famine,” said Mr Clarke.

Since the January 12 earthquake, World Vision has been supplying families in Port-au-Prince with emergency aid, which includes water, food, hygiene kits, tarpaulins, blankets and water containers. World Vision has also set up mobile clinics and provided urgently needed medical supplies to hospitals.

In preparation for her Famine, Ms Bennett met a group of school students at Parachute Festival last weekend who are all experienced participants in the annual 40 Hour Famine. They eagerly shared their ‘tips’ on how to do the Famine well. The recommendations were to enjoy a light meal before starting, and then to keep the blood sugar and energy levels on an even keel with the Famine favourites, Just Juice and barley sugars.

In May this year, about 120,000 young Kiwis are expected to participate in the 40 Hour Famine, which raises $2.6million annually for children living in poverty in developing countries.

The funds are used to provide health and education services and infrastructure, clean and safe water, and improve agricultural development to address food shortages and household income. A portion of Famine funds is also set aside for emergency relief, so that when disaster strikes, such as the Haiti earthquake, World Vision is able to respond immediately.

You can sponsor Paula by going online: www.famine.org.nz/faminebook.aspx?username=PaulaBennett

Or by online banking to account PL Bennett 06 0294 0039129 01