Laura Suen’s stomach is grumbling, but she’s skipping lunch anyway. Suen will also skip her next three meals as she takes part in the 30-hour famine held by Over Bounds, starting at 10 a.m. on Thursday.
The event will raise money for Wede Kids, a small school in Liberia, through pledges. For a short time, participants will put themselves in the shoes of hungry children across the world. The money raised will go toward developing a nutrition program for students at Wede Kids. The group is hoping to raise $5,000.
Participants are provided with 100 grams of rice in case they feel faint, and are allowed to drink water. The fundraiser will be followed by a pizza party. So far, there are 10 confirmed participants.
“We wanted the famine to coincide with World Food Day [on Oct. 16], but realistically speaking, these are students, and this is exam time. Only the truly dedicated will go ahead at this time,” said Suen, a third-year studying physics and molecular biology. In June 2007, Suen visited Buduburam, where approximately 48,000 refugees from the Liberian Second Civil War made their homes.
“During my time in Buduburam, I noticed an air of appreciation for education that you don’t see here in Canada. The problem is that schools don’t have adequate resources, and if they do, the children are too hungry to learn,” said Suen, who started Over Bounds this year, aiming to initiate international and local development projects to help underprivileged women and children.
This is the group’s first fundraiser. Upcoming events include the screening of a documentary on Liberia and a winter crafts sale.
“I realized that there’s so much that we can all do, but a lot of social advocacy groups on campus just seem to have people [who are there] for the titles,” Suen said. “There seems to be a lack of interest to actually make an impact.”
Over Bound’s website, www.overbounds.com, has pledge sheets and info on how to donate. Donations for the campaign can be made outside the UTSU building today between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
