My Account
Students from the Hibiscus Coast joined tens of thousands of others around the country to take on a 40-hour challenge and raise funds to provide clean water for children living in some of the world’s toughest places.
Some of the events students and others participated during the World Vision fundraising weekend included a 40 metre bungy jump off the Auckland Harbour Bridge, a 14km walk from Gulf Harbour to KingsWay School, performing 40 random acts of kindness and ironing clothes for 40 hours.
Mia Cutler, 17, did her bungy jump on July 2. She said she chose to do it because she wanted to put herself in an uncomfortable situation “like kids who desperately need water every day”.
“I am absolutely petrified of heights, so doing a 40m jump was extremely challenging,” she says.
“But as I started the climb to the peak of the bridge where I jumped off, I felt calm and okay. However, when we got where I thought I was jumping from, the instructor told me that this was the 20m mark so I was only halfway!
“That’s when the nerves really kicked in. To relax, I kept reminding myself of the great cause that I was taking part in and reminding myself to do this challenge for the people who need clean water. I was lucky enough to have my family and World Vision representatives there to encourage me. I was also able to pick a song while I jumped, so went with, ‘I’m Like a Bird’, by Nelly Furtado.”
Cutler also lead her school in the 14km walk to Red Beach on the following day.
“We had an excellent turn out of 25 keen and passionate students and teachers who wanted to make a difference.”
The walk started at 5.30am and participants were joined by an Auckland World Vision ambassador.
Mia says that doing the World Vision 40 hour famine was a great cause to get involved in.
“It’s an opportunity to do something bigger than yourself and help bring life saving water and necessities to children in need. It’s also great to put yourself out of your comfort zone in the crazy challenges that people do to create awareness.
“If you are considering doing the 40 hour famine, I say do it! Anything you raise will be greatly appreciated. For instance, just $18 will give three months of emergency water to a child in a refugee camp.”
This year funds raised will be used to provide emergency water to refugee camps, build new water systems for villages that need a clean water supply, and give communities the tools they need to keep water flowing for years to come.
