"Save Lives Fast" was the message from Concern yesterday as the aid agency publicised its annual 24-hour fast, which it hopes will raise €1.5 million.
Fast co-ordinator Julie Harris said that the event gave people the opportunity to "feel what it's like to be hungry". More importantly, however, she said that the fast was about "creating awareness and solidarity".
The fast will take place on November 29th in an attempt to raise funds to help education, livelihood, HIV/Aids and health programmes in 31 of the world's poorest countries.
Currently, 75,000 people of all ages are registered to take part in this year's fast, and the charity hopes that this number will grow before November 29th.
Ms Harris said that Concern was working directly with Irish schools to help educate young people about the problems in poor countries.
One-third of Irish secondary schools and 250 primary schools are signed up for this year's fundraiser. Children in primary schools are not encouraged to take part in the fast, but instead are asked to give up sweets or chocolate. Students are encouraged to have a sponsored silence or a no uniform day instead of fasting.
For those fasting, Ms Harris advises drinking plenty of fluids, not to fast for more than 24 hours and to eat if feeling light-headed or dizzy.
Anyone who is interested in the event should visit the website www.concernfast.org or call 1850 50 50 55.