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Halloween for Hunger
Now is the time to start planning your Halloween for Hunger event. Don't let another chance pass you by!
What is Halloween for Hunger?
Started by Professor Jonathan White, Halloween for Hunger is an annual campaign whose goal is to alleviate local hunger, while raising awareness of the issue of global poverty. First adopted by Free The Children in October 2000, the campaign challenges communities to think globally but act locally.
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Every year, on October 31st, youth from across North America participate in this unique campaign. Going door-to-door, people like you collect non-perishable food items to strengthen the capacity of their local food banks. So this Halloween, instead of asking for candy, why not get together with friends and family, and trick-or-treat for canned goods instead?
Why participate?
Poverty exists all around us. It is neither a desired reality nor a necessary component of either society or community, yet still it persists and people go hungry. Poverty and hunger are universal challenges that need to be met head-on by youth, community groups and governments alike.
By participating in Halloween for Hunger, you and your team can make a real difference in the lives of those living with hunger in your community. |
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Quick facts:
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841,640 Canadians use food banks every month—population of Nova Scotia: 936,000. (Source: Daily Bread Food Bank; www.dailybread.org)
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39.75% of Canadian food bank users are children. (Source: Ibid)
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23.3 million U.S. citizens received emergency hunger relief in 2001; equal to the combined populations of the ten largest U.S. cities. (Source: Second Harvest; www.secondharvest.org)
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Who can participate?
Anyone can get involved in this important and fun-filled event! Youth from across North America are already involved—join them in the fight against hunger!
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| For more information on Free The Children's other campaigns, please visit the campaign section of this newsletter. |
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Me to We Update
Hey change makers,
As you have probably read in the Free The Children weblog, we have just finished the Canadian Living Me to We Awards (in partnership with Canadian Living magazine). I mentioned Cody’s story, a 10-year-old boy whose small actions are bringing warmth to hospitalized children. Another story that I hold close to my heart is that of Selena Mell.
Before I tell you the story, I want to make sure all of you know about the Me to We philosophy. So if you’re unsure, just visit the Me to We website to find out.
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 Me to We Award Winners (from left to right) Selena Mell, Brian O'Leary, Cody Clark, Mike Kehoe, and Brena Whittle. |
And now for my story…
Selena lives in Quesnel, B.C., which is just an hour and 45 minute drive from my home town of Prince George. From living in a northern B.C. town I know that a lot of racism and prejudice exists. I watched many of my fellow classmates shy away from their backgrounds, some hiding their culture in shame. Many youth grow up hearing racist jokes, comments, and even threats. These attitudes bred a hostile environment for all of the local youth.
In order to increase pride in cultural backgrounds, Selena, the principal at Ecole Baker Elementary School, created a biannual forum for youth to celebrate their diverse ethnical backgrounds. They dress up in their traditional clothing and setup exhibits that talk about their culture, share traditional food, and dance to ethnic music.
Selena has now created a culture where it is cool to be proud of your roots. More importantly, the culture Selena has created at Ecole Baker will have a huge long-term impact, when the kids who she has impacted will be grown-up and contributing members of the moulding of Quesnel society.
So I want to say well done and thank you Selena, for living the Me to We philosophy in everything that you do. |
 Selena Mell (centre) accepts her Me to We Award. Also shown (from left to right) Marc Kielburger, Craig Kielburger, Chief and Editor of Canadian Living Susan Antonacci, and Vice President of Western Union A.J. Hanna.
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If you want to read more about this year’s winners visit the Canadian Living website.
I hope the Canadian Living Me to We Award winners will inspire you to change someone’s life. And I also hope to see some of you in Canadian Living as the winners of the 2006 Awards. So best of luck!
Peace and Love,
Russ
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Upcoming Event
“From Effectiveness to Greatness”
Attention Community Leaders!
On November 1, 2005, Dr. Stephen R. Covey, the internally celebrated author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and The 8th Habit "From Effectiveness to Greatness" will share his message at the Mississauga Living Arts Centre.
Supported by Free The Children, Dr. Stephen R. Covey's live program inspires community leaders to reach beyond effectiveness towards fulfillment, contribution and greatness!
For more information, visit http://www.franklincovey.ca, or call 1.866.742.2487. Student tickets are
available at an amazing discount!
See you there!
Amy Erin Schlein
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