Fight Hunger — Fast!
40 Million people face destitution and critical food shortages in Africa this year. War and heavy debt repayments have combined with drought — the worst in living memory in southern Africa — to destroy millions of lives. We have seen the suffering and the agony on television, but we cannot switch off the television in despair at the injustices of the world, because we have also seen the hope and the positive effects that some proper food and care provided by aid agencies can create in a matter of days. After his visit to Zambia and Zimbabwe this year, the Liberal Democrat MP Simon Hughes said,
“We are seeing drought, but it will be our responsibility if it turns to hunger and death.”
You are probably well aware of the Africa in Crisis Appeal which is asking us to make donations at high street banks and post offices but a student, worrying about whether the grant will stretch, can feel it is not really worth going there to make only a small donation. However, small amounts will add up to a worthwhile contribution, which is why members of the Christis committee, including the Beanbag — Ian, Matt, Wulf, Janet, Anne and I have decided to join in Oxfam’s 24 hour fast and we are asking you to sponsor us to help feed Africa. If you want to join the fasting then sponsor forms and information are available from the Oxfam shops in York. Otherwise, please come along to our stalls in Vanbrugh Concourse on the 4th and 6th November (Wednesday and Friday of Week 3) between 12 noon and 2 pm, give some moral support to the lonely person waiting on the stall — especially on Friday which is the actual day of the fast — and sponsor us.