Several Mount Boucherie Senior Secondary students are willing to let their stomachs growl for a good cause.
The Mount Boucherie Rotary Interact Club will host the annual 24-hour famine Friday, Feb. 28 as a fundraiser for HOPE (Helping Out Exploited People) Outreach Kelowna.
HOPE Outreach provides night time outreach to homeless and/or sexually exploited women in Kelowna’s downtown core.
Allison Brown, a Grade 12 student and member of Mount Boucherie Rotary Interact Club, said the student group picked HOPE Outreach for the positive work they do for local women.
“They’re an organization that offers a safe house and an opportunity for women to get back on their feet,” said Brown.
“We want to (reduce) the numbers of women on the street.”
Students participating in the 24-hour famine will begin fasting at 8 a.m. Feb. 28. They’re invited to spend the night at MBSS, where there will be several activities offered throughout the night.
“We’re going to be having a school-wide scavenger hunt, probably some hide-and-seek and a game room.”
Angie Lohr, president of HOPE Outreach, will speak to the students at 7 p.m. to explain what kinds of things the money raised will go toward.
The next morning, several rotarians will cook a pancake breakfast for the students.
According to Brown, about 20 students have signed up for the 24-hour famine so far. The goal is to get closer to 100 participants.
“Last year I think they had 30. We really want to increase the amount of people who are coming.”
The Mount Boucherie Rotary Interact Club is a branch of the Rotary Club of Westbank.
Brown said she is one of about six core members of the group; however, the club is always looking for participants.
“(Students of) any grade can join. It’s not a club that requires an application. You can pretty much walk into a meeting and you’re welcomed.”
Last year’s 24-hour famine brought in about $3,000; this year the goal is to raise $5,000.
wpaterson@kelownacapnews.com
Twitter: @PatersonWade
