Hand-shaking marathons, yo-yo contests and teachers' leg waxes are just some of the events planned in schools around the country for the annual Concern fast tomorrow.
More than 100,000 people are expected to take part in the fast, which celebrates its 35th anniversary this year.
The aid agency is hoping to raise over €2.2 million in the hundreds of fundraising projects being organised. Some €2 million was raised by the event last year.
Nearly 60,000 students at 291 secondary schools are taking part in the fast. Teachers at the Holy Family School in Rathcoole, Co Kildare, will wear school uniforms for the day to raise money.
Joe O'Neill (11) from Skerries gave up his Playstation and television for one week and raised €522 for Concern.
Ms Molly Morrison, Concern's fast co-ordinator, said she had heard of one man in Cobh who was taking part in the fast for the 21st time.
"People don't have to fast for 24 hours," she said. "Some people give up their mobiles, do a shorter fast or take some inspiration from some previous participants, like Wesley College's 2003 fast sponsored leg wax - for male teachers."
Teachers were very involved in the activities, she said. Last year, teachers in Dunshaughlin Community College in Co Meath performed as the band Busted. In Clondalkin, Dublin, Coláiste Bríde students will organise their own version of the X Factor. This school raised the most money for last year's fast - €35,000.
Supporters can log on to www.concernfast.org or phone their donations to 1850 50 50 55.
Ms Morrison said the money raised would not go to any one particular cause.
However, Concern's focus has been on the situation in Darfur in western Sudan in recent months.
