Victorina out to End Hunger

Hunger is a horrible thing. But even with over 800 million suffering from this terrible affliction around the globe, with many of our own countrymen having to struggle every day to scrape together a decent meal, world hunger still somehow escapes the attention of far too many. Here is a chance for the more fortunate of us to nourish the minds, bodies and souls of children in need.

In a recent press conference held at R.O.X. at Fort Bonifacio High Street, media and celebrity supporters convened to launch a humanitarian effort to help feed destitute children in Mindanaoas well as those around the globe. Leading the campaign is KC Concepcion, who has been designated as the program’s local ambassador. The open forum was facilitated by Trixie Angeles,the Managing Editor of the Victorina Blog and advocate for humanitarian causes.

The conference formally announced how the whole world will be marching together to help out in the fight to eradicate world hunger on June 7, 2009. Aptly called the “End Hunger: Walk the World”, this global effort is expected to be the biggest ever platform for the anti-hunger movement, with millions of people from all over the world set to take a stand against this very real shared threat. “It is our hope that we can count on your support on June 7, 2009 at 6:00 am at Roxas Blvd, in the City of Manila to End Hunger, Walk the World 2009,” implored Stephen Anderson, Country Manager for the UN World Food Programme. “The world will join together in a global walk to raise awareness and funds to feed children in schools.”

According to Doy Roque, managing director of M2.0 Communications whose agency is leading the event, “End Hunger: Walk the World” is a noble initiative directed by the United Nations’ World Food Programme which is the world's frontline organization in the fight against global hunger. This initiative which began in 2003 is an annual global awareness and fundraising event occurring simultaneously in 24 time zones within 24 hours in 77 countries in a bid to end child hunger. In this part of the world, this endeavor is extra special as it is aimed at feeding Filipino school children in conflict affected areas in Mindanao.

We have a unique chance for all of us to do our part in a very worthwhile cause.”

The walk is expected to attract a slew of celebrities, government officials, United Nations agencies, and WFP corporate partners, all with the purpose of raising awareness and funds to feed starving children in the Philippines. Proceeds from the “End Hunger: Walk the World” global match are donated to the WFP's Global School Feeding Programme, which provides tasty and nutritious foods as incentives to get children go to school and keep them there.

Before leading those present in a pledge to do their part to help end world hunger, KC sang her song “Isang Hakbang” which captured the main message and theme of the campaign. The anthem was conceptualized by ActivAsia events management and WFP, composed by Harold Clavite, arranged by Ian Umali of Digitrax and produced by Datu Gallaga of Just Add Water.

Committing their support to “End Hunger: Walk the World” include: Unilever, TNT, DSWD, National Youth Commission, FOCAP, The Local Government of the City of Manila, Primer Group of Companies, R.O.X, Philips, Magic 89.9, 99.5 RT, Harisson Communications, Active Asia, Digitrax, M2.0 Communications, and many more.

With an expected turnout of over 10,000, this year’s march promises to be as well-attended as it has ever been. In addition to the actual walk, the event will also include a live video stream from all four different assembly zones, from each of the participating partners. There will also be a Pledge to End Hunger Ceremony, wherein a number of important persons will imprint their footprints on cement tablets as a symbol of their commitment to support the impoverished children of Mindanao.

“End Hunger: Walk the World” will help make more of us aware of the shared problem of world hunger and of the role each of us has in the fight to end it. To learn more about how you can register and join in this global effort, logon to www.isanghakbang.com.