Rice Raiser

ReliefWeb Â» Document Â» Canada responds to World Food Programme's appeal for drought-stricken countries in sub-Saharan Africa

2009-09-22T15:33:00.001-07:00

ReliefWeb Â» Document Â» Canada responds to World Food Programme's appeal for drought-stricken countries in sub-Saharan Africa

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ReliefWeb Â» Document Â»

2009-09-21T09:43:00.001-07:00

ReliefWeb Â» Document Â» "Political will needed to tackle food crisis and restructure agriculture," warns UN right to food expert

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ReliefWeb ÃâÃÂ» Document ÃâÃÂ» WFP chief warns of growing crisis for world's hungry

2009-09-17T07:55:00.001-07:00

ReliefWeb ÃâÃÂ» Document ÃâÃÂ» WFP chief warns of growing crisis for world's hungry

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Financial crisis eases but leaves hunger legacy

2009-09-08T07:19:00.001-07:00

Financial crisis eases but leaves hunger legacy

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Food crisis: What the World Bank is doing, 02 Sep 2009

2009-09-03T09:47:00.001-07:00

Food crisis: What the World Bank is doing, 02 Sep 2009

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2009-08-28T16:09:00.001-07:00

Time to register your school or group with the 2009/2010 Rice Raiser Campaign. Go to www.riceraiser.org to register.

Abbotsford Rugby 7's International Tournament

2009-06-24T22:58:00.000-07:00

Hunger Response International is honoured to be selected as the featured charity for Abbotsford’s first Rugby 7s International Tournament.

Abbotsford Rugby Sevens is a new and highly entertaining version of the traditional game of rugby. On July 25, 2009, Abbotsford will host its first ever ‘International Rugby Sevens’ event from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Abbotsford Rugby 7s www.abbotsfordsevens.com

This exciting news means that through the Abbotsford Rugby 7’s International Tournament on July 25, 2009, Hunger Response International will raise funds for this project in Kenya, honouring the visiting and infamous Kenyan team.

One of the global projects the Rice Raiser Campaign has been raising funds for this year is in Kenya – in the community of Boro, which is located in the Siaya District of the Nyanza province in the southwest part of Kenya. The Siaya District is in a food deficit for eight months of the year, and imports basic foods from other countries and districts in Kenya. More than 50% of the district is unable to meet basic food requirements while rural self-employment sits at 8%.

Our global partner for this project in Kenya, Hungry For Life International, has just been awarded a $3 -$1 matching grant from the Canadian International Development Agency for their ‘Home and Market Gardens’ project. As we partner with them, we will be improving the health and general well-being of the people living in the Siaya District by equipping them with methods of food sustainability in addition to income generation.

Rugby is a robust, enduring game requiring players to be in top physical condition. Hunger Response International recognizes that over 1 billion people live in hunger world wide. Nearly one sixth of the people in the world do not have sufficient nutritious food and it is for this reason we encourage you to give generously honouring the strength and vitality that the human body can achieve as on display in this Rugby tournament.

Support Project Kenya and your money can quadruple its value…for every dollar donated; the Canadian Government will match with three!

ACT LOCALLY – ACT GLOBALLY is our motto. We will have rice for you to purchase at our booth that will go to the Abbotsford Food Bank and will help people locally. All funds received (100% of designated funds) will go towards Project Kenya. In addition you can pick up information about global hunger and learn more of how you can help change lives. There will be buttons and other promotional items available.

2009-05-19T13:05:00.000-07:00

The new Rice Raiser Campaign Spring News Letter is now available.
It is full of great pictures and comments from students, schools, and community involvement this year so far.

To receive a copy, email your request to lorri@hungerresponse.org
or go on-line to www.riceraiser.org and download a copy from our resources.

2009-05-19T12:48:00.000-07:00

Comments from youth and teachers involved with this year's Rice Raiser Campaign:

Quotes and Comments from Students/Teachers

2009 Rice Raiser

“Participating in the Rice Raiser Campaign definitely opened up my view of the world and expanded my bubble of awareness! It also has shown me a way to put my energy and passion towards an initiative that works and can work for anyone of any age!” Alexa – Grade 12

“Participating in the Rice Raiser Campaign is really empowering youth and letting them know that they can make a difference.” Alexa – Grade 12

“The Rice Raiser has opened up to me many more doors following the same train of thought (making a difference) and possible career ideas.” Alexa – Grade 12

“The Rice Raiser Campaign is a great opportunity to empower the youth of today and create world-aware global citizens for our future.” Alexa – Grade 12

“It’s time to throw the negative stereotype of youth out and replace it with this idea of making a positive difference like we are doing in the Rice Raiser Campaign.” Alexa – Grade 12

“I think it’s very important to learn about global hunger while we are young and do something about it now because who knows if it will grow to be ten times worse.” In the future we can also teach our children to be aware of global hunger.” Danielle – grade 6

“The Rice Raiser was fun and an easy thing to do to save our world from hunger.” Brianna – Grade 6

“Our school had a hunger awareness lunch. Three people from each class got to have lasagne and dessert at a table while the rest of us ate rice or beans sitting on the floor to show us how people in the world eat. Sitting there watching everyone around me eating just rice was sad.” Brianna – Grade 6

“Through the Rice Raiser Campaign I have come to realize that we are so rich compared to people in third world countries and that we should help them as much as possible.” Joshua – grade 6

“I think it’s good for young people to learn about hunger issues around the world because they still have their whole lives to help out.” Joshua - grade 6

“Our way of life is so different from theirs. Challenging youth in the Rice Raiser Campaign is great because it doesn’t matter how old you are, you can still help. ” Chelsea – grade 6

“Learning about global hunger is very important because we need to know.” Aly – grade 6

“It made me sad knowing that I can eat whenever and they can’t …that’s why I wanted to participate in the Rice Raiser Campaign.” Brett – grade 6

“I never really thought about hungry people before the Rice Raiser Campaign. It makes me more grateful for what I have. I have never been hungry.” L – grade 6

“Now when I think about people who are hungry I feel selfish because we have more than enough and we keep asking for more stuff that we don’t need.” Christy – grade 7

“Our school did a bottle drive, a pie throwing contest at the teachers, a hunger awareness lunch and we made posters. I want to see our school participate again next year so we can see or learn that we are helping to save millions of people’s lives.” Christy – grade 7

“Through the Rice Raiser Campaign I learned that I can become more involved in global hunger and I can make a difference.” Jenna – grade 7

“Seeing the lives these people face made me shake my head and say to myself, ‘why won’t people around the world notice the people who are in need?” Jenna –grade 7

“We had a challenge with another class. It inspired us to bring money and rice. The Hunger Awareness Lunch made us think of what type of food poor people get every day.” Tommy – grade 7

“The Rice Raiser Campaign made me think that we are so lucky and we have the perfect opportunity to help people who maybe only get one meal per day.” Tommy – grade 7

“Its important to our future to learn about global hunger now so that we understand the needs of other people and not just think about ourselves because when we get older, we might tend to get lazy and think only for ourselves and not really care about others.” Jenna – grade 7

“The Rice Raiser is a great thing to do for the world.” Jenna – grade 7

“Participating in the Rice Raiser Campaign helped me think more about people who struggle with hunger. Not only do I have a heart for helping now, but I feel that I CAN make a difference!” Kristin – grade 7

“I was one of the ones that got the wonderful lunch when we did the Hunger Awareness Lunch. It was yummy and most of all I felt like I know that the people without as much food are suffering because they can’t help it.” Kristin – grade 7

“The Rice Raiser Campaign shows and teaches us that you can make a difference.” Kristin – grade 7

“Participating in the Rice Raiser Campaign was good because before I just knew they were poor. Now I know (because of the Hunger Awareness Lunch) what they actually go through and I want to help them to be healthy and strong.” Heidi – grade 7

“We need to learn about global hunger so we can be thinking about the less fortunate and how we can help. Remember that one person can make al the difference!” Heidi – grade 7

“It would be awesome if other schools joined in the Rice Raiser Campaign because that would make it possible for more poor people to survive!” Heidi – grade 7

“I felt good inside when I gave to the Rice Raiser because I might be saving someone’s life.” Amber – grade 7

“It’s important to learn about global hunger because we should know how bad it is in the world for hunger then it will show that we need to help and fix it.” Amber – grade 7

“After participating in the Rice Raiser Campaign I thought way more about poverty.” Andrew – grade 7

“It’s important to learn about global hunger because if we travel to somewhere poor, we have to be ready.” Andrew – grade 7

“Participating in the Rice Raiser Campaign helped me see how richly we live and how poorly the other people live.” Mark – grade 7

“Help the hungry instead of getting everything for yourself.” Mark – grade 7

“We can help people without always just giving out money…we can learn about global hunger.” Mark – grade 7

“Participating in the Rice Raiser Campaign shows us that not everyone in our city or the world has enough food and everyone needs to work together to help reduce hunger.” Anon. Grade 11

“It’s important to our future to learn about global hunger because our future needs to be in good order to lead healthy lives and to save lives.” Anon. Grade 11

“Participating in the Rice Raiser Campaign made me appreciate what I have a lot more and it made me realize not everyone has what I do.” Lynn – grade 12

“Participating in the Rice Raiser Campaign made me think more about the people who struggle with hunger and it made me realize that in Canada we tend to take food for granted when other people in other areas of the world have nothing.” Susan – grade 12

“Learning about global hunger is important to our future because this is an issue that can be resolved.” Susan – grade 12

“We had a booth at a local grocery store to invite customers to participate in the Rice Raiser Campaign. One of the highlights for me was seeing so many different people from all different cultures interested in this program and donate.” Oshien - grade 12

“It’s very important to our future to learn about global hunger because we are the future and if we are not aware of the global needs, then the world cannot change.” Pam – grade 12

“I was greatly pleased with the support and participation of the students in the Rice Raiser Campaign. They were well organized and got the project started early. This was run entirely by a student group.” Secondary School Teacher

“The youth in my team had a great impact. They are empowered and better educated to make a difference.” Secondary School Teacher

“I felt it was important for our school to participate in this year’s campaign to help others and untie students for a good cause.” We did a lot of creative activities including: Block B Coin Drive, Cupcake sales, Hotdog Sale, Wet Sponge Throw, Valentines for Human Kind sales, and a competition against another high school. The students raised over $4,600 in one week!” A.Coombs -Teacher Secondary School

“The teachers and staff in our school participated in all events, offering ideas and pitching in.” A.Coombs -Secondary School Teacher

“The Rice Raiser Campaign is all fantastic…helpful and well organized.” A. Coombs - Secondary School Teacher

“This campaign has had an impact on the students. Knowing where their $ is going makes the concept of giving less abstract and more exciting. Students were very enthusiastic!” A. Coombs - Secondary School Teacher

“The Rice Raiser Campaign is raising student awareness more each year, helping to create the socially conscious adults that the world needs.” A. Coombs – Secondary School Teacher

“This is a powerful way for students to work together for a good cause becoming globally aware and making a real difference.” A. Coombs – Secondary School Teacher.

“I felt it was important to participate in the Rice Raiser Campaign to bring awareness to our students that they have the ability to make a difference for others locally and globally.” J.Muthanna – Middle School teacher

“Our students planned all the activities including: bake sales, jellybean count, raffles, hot cocoa sales, popcorn sales in and outside of the school and a teacher vs student dodge ball game with admission. Many of the kids went to their dance clubs, churches, youth groups and teams to share about the Rice Raiser and to raise funds.” J Muthanna – Middle School Teacher

“This campaign brought awareness about global hunger/poverty/education issue we otherwise may not have learned about.” J. Muthanna – Middle School Teacher

“Many of the students were surprised at their own success! They were in charge of organizing this campaign. It was all their own way of contributing and raising funds.” J. Muthanna – Middle School Teacher

“The Rice Raiser provides a huge sense of empowerment and self actualizing action!” J. Muthanna – Middle School Teacher

“Our school organized a bottle drive, a hunger awareness lunch and a competition to see what class could raise the most rice. This really got us motivated to do our best for the poor and hungry.” Eden – Middle School Student

“I really liked the hunger awareness lunch. It showed how lucky we are to have lots of healthy food and how most people in the world don’t eat near as well as us. It just breaks my heart to think that every five seconds a child dies of hunger. I really hope that our school makes a difference in the lives of others.” Eden – grade 6

“We cannot just sit back and let them die waiting for others to act. We need to make a difference NOW!” Eden – grade 6

“If everyone puts in a little bit, it all adds up to a lot! Together we can impact the world and make change for the better. “ Eden – grade 6

“We can’t just live in our own world oblivious to what is going on in the rest of the world. If we don’t know what’s going on, we can’t do anything and if we don’t do anything the problems in our world only get worse!” Eden – grade 6

“I think that if our school works together as a team we can raise enough money to save the lives of hundreds of children across the globe.” – Eden – grade 6

“As a teacher, I felt it was important to participate in this year’s Rice Raiser Campaign to initiate a school-wide event that focuses on both local and global initiatives.” Teacher Middle/Secondary School

“We filled an inflatable kiddie pool with rice and our principal dressed up like ‘Rice Farmer Remple.’ As well, we had a school-wide assembly where we separated/assigned students to certain areas of the gym to demonstrate food ration inequality. This was a great start. We’re looking forward to building on the enthusiasm next year.” Teacher Middle/Secondary School

“It’s important to learn about global hunger because me and my generation are the future of the world. It is us who will be the key in solving the food crisis.” Tanvir – grade 7

“I choose to be part of that generation that changes hunger because I think we can actually make a difference. If every kid just in this school donated just $5 we would raiser $3000 just like that!” Tanvir– grade 7

“It seems impossible to me that some families only have one meal a day and sometimes every two days. This campaign really raised my awareness about hunger! The more people know about world hunger, the better and the Rice Raiser is a great way to spread the knowledge!” Ben – grade 7

“I now have noticed the seriousness of world hunger…that every minute 12 children die because of hunger. Now I wonder whenever I see a picture of an African child if he or she is okay or even alive.” Adam – grade 8

“The Rice Raiser is a wonderful fund raiser and should be done anywhere possible so maybe we could reverse some statistics!” Adam – grade 8

“The Rice Raiser made me realise that there are so many people our there that don’t have much food or money even though there is enough food in the world to feed everyone. That is sad. I am grateful that we were raising money and collecting rice.” Kolya – grade 8

“I’m glad we’re learning about global hunger through the Rice Raiser because otherwise, I would be in complete ignorance of what’s happening all over the world.” Ian – grade 8

“I learned a lot about hunger. I don’t think I’ll ever say ‘I’m starving’ again! Learning about it is the worst thing I’ve experienced so I want to be part of a generation that changes hunger. Josh – grade 8

“Learning about global hunger is very important because we cannot live our life in a protective bubble when there are people out there who are suffering. If we have no knowledge, how can we help save them?” Sarya – grade 8

“Participating in the Rice Raiser definitely made me think more about the people who struggle with hunger. It made me feel a little bit selfish because I waste so much food and lots of people do not get enough food.” Anna - grade 8

“Our school did a 1 day famine and we learned about global hunger. I could not imagine going like that for a couple of days or a week…my head was pounding and I felt tired. This was a good experience and I think if lots more people are aware, maybe in the future world hunger won’t exist.” Serena – Grade 8

“ I do think that the Rice Raiser Campaign made me really think because every time I felt hungry that day we did the famine, I didn’t give up because I thought of all the children and adults in the world who don’t’ have a choice to eat or not.” Tiera – grade 8

“The Rice Raiser was an amazing experience and I really hope it grows and will make a lot of people think about the hungry.” Tiera – grade 8

“I think it is very important to learn about global hunger because if we learn now, then we can make a difference. And then we can teach our kids about it too and they can make a difference and so on.” Madeline – grade 8

“Participating in the Rice Raiser Campaign make me think more about people who struggle with hunger. Some of my thoughts are, how terrible and harsh some parts of the world are. So many people don’t deserve what goes on.” Brooke – grade 8

“I choose to be part of a generation that changes hunger because I don’t want to be known as the generation that did nothing while millions of people died of hunger.” Katie – grade 8

“It isn’t fair that we have enough food to throw away things we don’t want and other kids haven’t eaten for days just because of where we’re from or how much money our families have.” Katie – grade 8

“I think the Rice Raiser is simple, but very affective because it helps a lot in the struggle with hunger.” Eric – grade 8

“I think it’s important for our future to learn about hunger because everyone can play a major role in the world.” Eric – grade 8

“It troubles me that I do so little…sure I can donate lots of stuff, but for me it is not enough. I’m not the type of guy that would sit here an watch people die when we can help.” Tristan – grade 8

“I found that it was very hard to play games and run when you are hungry. Hunger hurts and makes you tired. I feel if everyone did something or donated a bit of money, it would help others a lot.” Mitchell – grade 8

“If we learn about hunger now, we will carry on helping throughout our life.” Alanna – grade 8

“in the Rice Raiser, we had a 24 hour famine and I felt I was ‘dying’ of hunger, but in reality it made me think about how some people in Africa go through every day.” Hailey – grade 8

1 Billion People

2009-04-29T09:47:00.000-07:00

Hunger Count - The World Food Program shares concerns about the 'triple F crisis' - Food/Fuel/Financial as they acknowledge the count of the hungry has now exceeded 1 billion people world wide.]

2009-04-29T09:23:00.000-07:00

According to the World Bank and the World Food Program, the count of the hungry now exceeds one billion people world wide.

Way To Go - Abbotsford Christian Middle School!

2009-03-20T07:29:00.000-07:00

Abbotsford Christian Middle School knows how to have fun for a serious cause!

2009-03-09T08:25:00.000-07:00

Get Your Toque On!

This crazy cold weather may lead to an increased number of orders for custom hand crocheted toques that six students at Robert McMath Secondary School in Richmond are making.

Their creative approach to raising funds is fun and innovative. The toques have been a real hit and the project has exceeded the students expectations. Read more about this project on facebook:
Get Your Toque On Group -

Competition - a fun way to encourage one another.

2009-03-04T10:05:00.000-08:00

Two schools in Abbotsford compete to see which one can raise the most food and funds to help the hungry through the Rice Raiser Campaign. The reality is, in the eyes of people who are hungry and to those who are trying to help, everyone who contributed is a winner!

Congratulations to all for the great work, terrific enthusiasm and wonderful sportsmanship! Thanks especially for caring so much and responding to the needs in such a fun way!

Read the Story:

http://www.bclocalnews.com/fraser_valley/abbynews/news/40576363.html

Exciting Things Are Happening

2009-02-26T09:59:00.000-08:00

Many schools are wrapping things up from their Rice Raiser Campaign and others are just beginning. The Rice Raiser Campaign has it's main thrust in February, but it can be done anytime throughout the year.

Two former Abbotsford students introduced the Rice Raiser Campaign to their new school in Kelowna, B.C. Congratulations to Alexa and Brianna Creelman for a fantastic job! Read about it in The Kelowna Daily Courier

Crofton House Junior in Vancouver and Jackson Elementary in Abbotsford have counted their kilograms of rice and their coins/dollars while Abbotsford Christian Middle School kicked off their campaign with Hunger Awareness Lunch. Chief Dan George Middle School in Abbotsford is fasting to raise awareness, food and funds and there are lots of other creative ideas that students have been excitedly involved in. We've even heard that WJ Mouat Secondary School in Abbotsford challenged Yale Secondary to see which school can raise the most food/funds.

As well, super markets in several communities have had students inviting the public to buy rice, donate Save-On-More points or give cash donations to help feed the hungry.

Almost daily we are hearing back from schools, community groups and churches about their activities. Here are just some of the thing we have been hearing about:

competitions between classes
sponge throws at teachers
Valentine for Human Kind
Rice Krispie Sales
Rice Runs
Dollar for Dollar Challenges

Let us know what you, your school or group have been doing. Together we're going to help change hunger for a lot of people!

2009 Rice Raiser Campaign

2009-02-23T07:53:00.000-08:00

Here we are in our fourth campaign! The Rice Raiser has grown!
Schools in the Fraser Valley, Vancouver Island and the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia, as well as Winnipeg, Manitoba and Hamilton Ontario are holding Rice Raiser Campaigns to help feed people in their communities as well as in our four global project countries:

North Korea - Soy milk for malnourished children
Kenya - Basic food staples for widows and orphans
Mozambique - Food and water security for village people
Haiti - Lunch meal program for school children

Everyone is welcome to contribute to the Rice Raiser Campaign.
To learn more about it, visit the Rice Raiser website: www.riceraiser.org

Welcome to the Rice Raiser Blog

2009-02-23T07:28:00.000-08:00

Welcome to this new Rice Raiser Campaign Blog.

First some back ground information:

The Rice Raiser Campaign started in 2005. It was on a trip to Cambodia and a face to face encounter with children who worked night shifts in the garbage fields trying to salvage any recyclable item they could find to help provide food for their families. These children represent millions of children who are born into struggling economies that lack sufficient resources to ensure basic food staples for the people. The boys pictured in the sidebar, like many other children are denied the opportunity of an education so their chances of improving their life situation is very minimal.

The realization that if more people were exposed to the realities of what hunger looks like, the more opportunities there would be to change hunger in people's lives world wide, led to the conception of the Rice Raiser Campaign.

The Rice Raiser campaign is an initiation of Hunger Response International - a Canadian charity that seeks to provide information about global hunger and challenge people to respond on the local and global levels at the same time. The Rice Raiser Campaign is a youth mobilized community event that addresses hunger. www.riceraiser.org