The World Emergency Relief Hong Kong (WERHK) held the 11/11 Campaign on Fri. to raise awareness of world poverty in under-developed countries among the residents in Hong Kong, particularly the younger generation.

The event was open to the public and all were welcome to "experience in a day what is an everyday experience for many," the theme of the campaign, by trying one of the three poverty options.

The participants were given the choice to eat one apple for lunch, or to choose one of the "typical poverty menus," in the countries -- Africa, the Philippines or Cambodia, and western China. Meanwhile, the last option asked participants to spend no more than HK$11 for three meals on Fri., which is the household spending in most of the under-developed countries, WERHK said.

Campaign Ambassador Sheren Tang, who in the past led a group of young students to try "poverty diets" in Western China, Southeast Asia, and Africa respectively, said in a press conference on Nov. 1 that the campaign will "help us learn to be more compassionate," while raising "funds for needy children."

She added, "I truly wish this campaign will help young people living in this materialistic Hong Kong to appreciate more what they possess and learn to lend their helping hand."

WERHK's goal is to raise HK$1,000,000 for under-privileged children that will be used to cover living expenses and educate 100 orphans in western China, provide nutritious meals for 2,000 children in South East Asia and medical relief for 1,000 children in Africa.

Alison Y.C. Tam, WERHK director of operations in South East Asia said "In the Asia-Pacific, some 3,000 children under 5 die everyday of preventable diseases," with "six countries --Cambodia, China, Laos, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, and Vietnam -- accounting for more than 75% of the deaths."

"This literally means two…children in the Asia-Pacific region leaves us…every minute, and these deaths are preventable," she added.

The campaign's main target was to reach the younger generation by instilling "positive values" such as "thankfulness and appreciation," and to make them more knowledgeable of world poverty, but they also wanted others to participate and understand the need to support under-developed countries.

WER is a non-profit organization founded in the United States in 1985. It is an interdenominational fellowship of Christians and organizations worldwide that works together to help people in need, particularly with children and their families. The Hong Kong branch was established in 1998.