MHS Student Organizing 30-Hour Famine

Written by admin on 14 April 2011

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MANITOUWADGE, ON – Manitouwadge High School student Tessa Lanteigne doesn’t seem to have much free time on her hands; she’s the lead in the Township’s upcoming production of ‘Cinderella, A Comedy Fairytale’, she regularly works babysitting and is in high demand because of her dedication and responsible nature, this week she’s away competing in NSSSAA Championship Badminton, she’s a member of the MHS Athletic Association, she plays bass guitar in a local band, and of course she works hard to have impressive grades in her Grade 11 courses at MHS but yet, as if all that weren’t enough, Lanteigne decided about a month ago that she could no longer sit and watch World Vision commercials of hungry children in 3rd world countries – she had to take action.

Lanteigned did some research and decided she would organize a World Vision 30-hour famine at her school (MHS). The 30 Hour Famine is the world’s biggest youth fund-raiser, challenging kids to “Go hungry for a day and help save lives around the globe”. After speaking to her parents and teachers, getting additional ideas regarding the logistics of such an event, she began spreading the word at school that April 29^th & 30^th, students and teachers were invited to participate in the World Vision 30-Hour Famine.

To date, an incredible 47 students have committed to gathering pledges and participating in the famine!

Last Friday, April 8^th, Lanteigne held an information session, inviting students, staff, parents and interested members of the general public, to join her as she shared an overview of what those participating in the famine could expect. Presenting information regarding safety measures which would be in place during the overnight at the school, an outline of the rules in regards to the small quantities of food that are acceptible during the famine (a few bowls of rice and some water) as outlined by World Vision, and less serious but just as integral to the success of the event, Lanteigne explained details of ‘random ridiculous acts’ which she and several teachers have promissed to follow through with as levels of fundraising are acheived (watch the video above above for details). She also reminded those in attendance of the Fundraising Bake Sale being held this Tuesday, April 19th to help boost the fundraising for the famine – visit the High School during lunch hour to purchased delicious baked goods as all moneys raised will be added to those from the 30-hour famine to be donated to World Vision.

When asked about her passion to help others and the need to make a difference when faced with the reality of children accross the globe going without food or adequate nutrition, Lanteigne explained that in regards to the 30-Hour Famine, she found it to be an especially interesting initiative because she and her friends would not only be raising funds, but also living out a part of the reality of those whom the fundraising will help, even if only in a small capacity “We’ll know what it feels like to have hunger pains and be hungry but not be able to eat” said Lanteigne admitting that “Of course we’ll have activities throughout the night and there’ll be fun, the children going hungry around the world aren`t having fun with activities, but at least we will walk in their shoes for 30-hours, if we go to sleep, we will be going to sleep hungry – something most of us have never felt before”. In regards to her compassion however and the decision to take action, Lanteigne credited her parents, Joan and Denis, saying that regardless of what project she may be undertaking, whether it’s sports, academics, or projects like this fundraiser, her parents have always supported all her endeavours. She felt that they had set an example of caring and helping others that went as far back as she could remember and so it just seemed natural that if she saw a need, it would be appropriate to take action.

And so; Congratulations! to Tessa Lanteigne for having inspired her peers so successfully, we wish her Good Luck with the Bake Sale and 30-Hour Famine; and a very sincere Thank You! to Joan and Denis Lanteigne, for having raised a young woman whom it seems, will be changing the world for the better, every chance she gets!

A CHALLENGE

OntarioNewsNorth.com felt it necessary to do something to contribute to Tessa’s cause and so has donated advertising AND provided Tessa with a $50 Prepaid Visa card she will use to inspire those involved in the 30-Hour-Famine (she was not yet decided whether it would be a prize for the activities during the famine or a prize perhaps for one of the top pledge earners) we challenge other businesses in Manitouwadge to contact Tessa (she’s in the book) to learn what they could possibly contribute!

IMPORTANT DATES

TUESDAY, APRIL 19th 11:30-12:30 – Bake Sale at MHS
MONTH OF APRIL – Watch for students collecting pledges for the 30-Hour Famine and please give generously
APRIL 29th & 30th – 30-Hour-Famine (Parent volunteers still needed for supervision of some shifts during this time)