Waging a personal battle for refugees

FORMER soldier Rupert French is in the 32nd year of a personal campaign to help the less fortunate through the World Vision 40 Hour Famine.

The 79-year-old British Army veteran and four members of his New Town and Lenah Valley Anglican Church group are passionate about supporting refugees.

Mr French, of Mt Stuart, began participating in the event in the 1980s as a school teacher at Sheffield.

“In my first effort, I raised the princely sum of $23.50,” he said.

In its 42nd year, the World Vision 40 Hour Famine is being rebooted for a new generation of fundraisers.

World Vision Australia chief executive Claire Rogers said students would live out of a backpack this weekend to deepen the level of understanding with young refugees.

“Instead of going without food, we’re packing our backpacks and roughing it.”

Health issues have prevented Mr French enlisting in the backpack challenge, but he will fast for 40 hours as he has for three decades.

“It’s great for young people to participate in the backpack challenge because it gives them an idea of the living situation of those they are supporting, even for only 40 hours,” he said.

Four World Vision programs have been funded by this year’s event and will help 276,000 people in South Sudan, with 11 programs yet to be funded.

Give at www.40hourfamine.com.au