Macau Famine 2019 starts with hopes of HKD1.1m in donations

Amelia Che (third from left)

This year’s Macau Famine is hoping to raise a total of HKD1.1 million to be used in support of children and families in South Sudan and Syria.

Amelia Che, manager of World Vision of Macau Association, told the Times at the launching ceremony that “today, about 490 million people in the world are both hungry and affected by conflicts. The conflicts in South Sudan and Syria have caused refugee children and families to suffer.”

On the sidelines of Tuesday’s ceremony of the Macau Famine 2019, Che stated the goal of this year’s event. “Actually, each year, our goal is to raise HKD1.1 million, which can be used to help refugees who have different needs,” Che said, adding that “last year, we met our goal. All the money was used for helping the refugees, while other costs [involved in the donation procedures] were supported by the sponsors.”

This year, proceeds from Macau Famine will be used to support the association’s food, security, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and livelihood assistance projects for children and families affected by conflicts in South Sudan and Syria.

Last year, the target of Macau Famine also included Myanmar. Che explained to the Times that “this year, we [will] only focus on South Sudan and Syria because their situations are the most serious.”
This year, Macau Famine consists of six separate events: Red Packet, Drawing Competition, Flag Day, School Famine, Charity Sale, and Skip-A-Meal.

Targets of the Red Packet activity are students in primary, secondary, and tertiary education levels, as well as churches in Macau. The collection period happens between February 15 and 26. It is hoped that the activity will encourage Macau students to care for others by donating and sharing their red packets with the needy. 

In the Drawing Competition, participants (primary schools students in Macau) should draw a picture themed “Hunger – Violence in Disguise” as an act to support Aluel and many other starving children.

By volunteering for the Flag Day, participants (the general public) will walk through the streets of Macau raising funds for hungry children and for the alleviation of global hunger.

Students and teachers in kindergartens, primary schools, secondary schools and universities can join the School Famine. Through Famine talks and workshops, students are encouraged to discuss and learn about hunger issues. By taking part in the Rich and Poor’s Banquet, students eat different meals to experience the gap between the rich and the poor.

The Charity sale details will be announced at a later date.

Corporations, organizations and churches can join Skip-A-Meal by donating MOP100 (or more) to support the projects.