A group of youth from Toronto starved themselves for a day to increase their awareness of HIV/AIDS and to raise money for the national church's Towards a World Without AIDS campaign. About 50 highschoolers gathered at Knox, Spadina, on April 22 and 23 for the annual East Toronto presbytery event and raised $8,500 for the cause.
The youth were divided into four groups Friday night, were handed their team colours, and got ready for a weekend of games, music, worship, devotions, research and guest speakers. Bella Lam, program coordinator for Africa and the Middle East at Presbyterian World Service & Development, spoke about the far-reaching effects of AIDS in the world and gave detailed information on Tanzania, Kenya and Malawi, where PWS&D has a strong presence.
A spokesman from the People with AIDS Foundation shared his life story and his struggle to survive with the disease. "He spoke of his tragic life choices, but also about God's saving grace," said Rob Kennedy, youth coordinator at Knox and a member of the presbytery's youth committee that sponsored the event. "It was a real eye-opener and brought a face to the story of AIDS."
The weekend was not only a time for teens to learn about problems around the world and what the church is doing about them, but it was also an outreach to students who have no church connections. Kennedy said church-going teens often bring their friends along, building relationships that prompt them to participate in other youth events. The 10 hours of community service they get credit for also draws in teens who otherwise shy away from church events. "It becomes an outreach as churches can provide an opportunity to be blessed by community service," said Kennedy.
This year, the four teams chose various projects, including Evangel Hall, Portland Place and spring cleaning an apartment building that was recently damaged by fire.
The hunger weekend has been an event for five years now, with more participants each year. Eleven churches from the presbytery were represented. "We're not here to duplicate other youth programs," said Rob Ellis, youth leader at St. Mark's, "It's more about filling in the gaps. We hope to complement what the national church is doing, and what the congregations need."
