Celebrities endorse weekend of fundraising for Africa

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A host of celebrities are urging young people to starve for a day ““ to help raise money for one of the poorest parts of Zambia.

Stars including Coronation Street’s Nikki Sanderson and Debra Stephenson, Celebrity Love Island star Lee Otway, and Hollyoaks” regulars Sarah Jayne Dunn and Stefan Booth, all gave their support to help international aid and development charity World Vision in its annual “24 Hour Famine”.

Now in its 21st year, the campaign encourages young people from across the UK to raise money for the charity through sponsorship and fundraising activities by going without food and experiencing hunger for one day.

Speaking as her role of ambassador for the “24 Hour Famine”, Nikki Sanderson said: “I”m honoured to be helping a cause that makes such a difference to people around the world. We all have a duty to help others and I would encourage everyone across the UK to take part, to raise these vital funds and also experience what so many have to go through every day of their lives”.

The 2007 campaign takes place between the 9th ““ 11th February and funds raised will benefit the Keembe community in Zambia. World Vision aims to support the communitys mission to improve its crop yield by providing the practical materials and training.

Last year’s campaign saw over £700,000 worth of funds being used to support vulnerable families in Sierra Leone.

Fiona Cole, Public Relations Manager for World Vision said: “We are delighted that so many celebrities have chosen to get involved and help raise awareness of World Vision’s 24 Hour Famine campaign this year”.

“This annual fundraising campaign is supported by an incredible number of people across the UK and we hope the support of our celebrities will encourage even more people to take part over the weekend of 9th ““11th February”.

For more information on the campaign, click here.

Keisha Nelson.

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