Chesterfield Inlet (Jun 05/06) - Victor Sammurtok school in Chesterfield Inlet had more than 20 overnight guests for an evening this past month.

Students in Grade 7 through 12 came together to conduct a 30-hour famine in support of World Vision.

The youth raised $300 during the famine and their student council pledged to match that amount in the fight against world hunger.

Teacher Ana Leishman said while the students weren't able to raise as much money as the previous year, the event made a major impact on a number of them.

"Things were a lot busier here than normal this year, so a number of the kids were running around town like crazy trying to sign-up pledges for the event," said Leishman.

"A lot of the students donated $5 or $10 out of their own pockets."

World Vision sends out a DVD for students to watch before their famine begins.

Leishman said the video gives students an idea of what some people in the world have to resort to for something in their stomach.

"The students see people actually eating sand to try and stop their hunger pains," said Leishman.

"That kind of stuff really hit home with the kids.

"You want to say the famine gives the students an idea of what it's like to be in somebody else's shoes, but they know they will have food to eat when the event is over.

"There were some students who had been complaining about missing their breakfast, but they weren't quite so upset after seeing the video."

Students spent their night at the school by watching movies, playing video games and spending time online before being ushered off to bed by Leishman.

The event wrapped up the following morning with a special model-rocket launch.

Leishman said she was pleased to see a number of kids participate who weren't old enough to take part in previous years.

"We tell the kids before the famine that it's not just all about staying up late and playing games, so they're prepared to go without eating when they arrive.

"They enjoy their time together and staying up late, but they also learn about the terrible struggles people in other parts of the world face on a daily basis."