THEY had met the challenge of a 30-hour self-imposed fast, drawing inspiration from the plight of millions of hungry mouths and empty bellies. Braving sporadic outbursts of drizzle, about 6,000 people congregated for a two-day sojourn at the Hong Kong Stadium to raise funds for the needy in the Third World.
Students, many of them in their early teens, made up the second largest group of participants. The 30-hour famine has raised $10 million in donations so far, with organisers World Vision and Commercial Radio targeting a figure of $20 million.
In conjunction with the United Nation's proclamation of 1994 as the International Year of the Family, the theme of this year's event was ''Disaster and the Family''.
To keep the participants in high spirits through the fast, the organisers arranged video clips, sing-along sessions and group discussions. The event culminated in a finale concert that gave star-gazers a chance to catch nine local Canto-pop idols in action such as Aaron Kwok Fu-shing, Sally Yeh Chen-ven and Andy Lau Tak-wah.
''In addition to the 6,000 campers, we also had more than 500 helpers and World Vision friends,'' said Miss Peggy Tu, communications manager for World Vision. ''The idea behind Famine 30 is to mobilise other groups to join us.'' Legislator Christine Loh Kung-wai also gave her whole-hearted support to the cause. She delivered a news brief, along with fellow Legco members James To Kun-sun and Lily Poon that marked the start of the second day's activities.
''It's for a good cause and it takes us beyond Hong Kong, to parts of Africa and China,'' she said.