Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Rankin Inlet (Apr 19/00) - Students at Maani Ulujuk middle school in Rankin Inlet wanted their chance to make a difference.

The students staged a 24-hour famine last weekend as part of the World Vision Famine. Although the official World Vision Famine was held on April 6, Rankin students had to delay their fund-raiser until information kits arrived.

Middle school teacher Cindy Rempel, who organized the event, says students went hungry to raise awareness and money to battle starvation around the world.

This marked the first time students from the school participated in event on their own. More than 60 students signed up for the famine and collected sponsorships.

"Anyone under 12 took part from noon until 9 p.m. on Friday, while those 12 and up were welcome to stay in the school overnight," says Rempel.

"We had plenty of pastimes lined up for the kids, including sports activities, movies, board games and rollerblading."

The fasting students had to drink a pre-set amount of juice and water during the event, soda pop was not allowed. Although the World Vision Famine is actually a 30-hour event, students in grades 6-8 are only advised to participate for 24 hours because of nutritional requirements.

Rempel says proceeds raised by the students go towards helping kids in Canada and several places around the world, such as Africa.

"Basically, any place where there's relief needed from natural disasters like floods or hurricanes, or starving kids in Kenya and other places.

"Any place kids are suffering or going without. This money not only goes towards sending food and other relief items, it's used towards educating people in health care and agriculture so they can grow their own crops and things like that."

Kids who filled a card of sponsors received a T-shirt.

Rempel says for a first-time effort, students did very well.

"We didn't really have a group goal, but we raised more than $1,000 and when all is said and done, we're hoping our grand total will be between $1,500 and $2,000."