Sometimes you just have to throw caution into the wind and walk the talk. Hence . . . That Poverty Project.
Even with a billion people hungry in the world (i.e. a population equivalent to about 29 Canadas), one could talk until blue in the face about it and all one would achieve is . . . well, getting blue in the face. Obviously something more than talking is needed to get people’s attention.
For much of the next year, That Poverty Guy (da da daaa! . . . my alter ego sort of sounds like a superhero name if you say it right) will be engaged in acts of self-sacrifice in order to raise awareness about poverty. Poverty here, poverty there, poverty everywhere (. . . now I’m sounding like Ol’Macdonald’s Farm).
Phase I of That Poverty Project sees That Poverty Guy living without the comforts of home for 3 months. Based out of a tent with only sleeping gear and little more than the clothes on his back, he will share with his followers about what it is like to be without. To be homeless.Phase II of the project focuses on the working poor. This aspect of the project reflects the reality of 1 in 10 Canadians who live below the poverty line as well at least half the world’s population who earn less than $1700 per year. After covering the cost of his home and utilities, That Poverty Guy will only have a paltry sum leftover to cover trivialities such as food, clothing, and transportation. And, to compound the problem, the amount he has each day through the first part of the project will fluctuate - perhaps $2 one day and $9 the next.
The third and final phase of That Poverty Project very well may be the toughest . . . hunger. As with the previous two phases, the length of the phase will be 3 months. However, during this period That Poverty Guy will only eat barely enough to sustain himself. Each day he will eat rations equivalent to what is provided by the World Food Programme in a refugee camp. Undoubtedly, a few pounds will be shed!
Throughout these endeavours, the aim of the project is to connect with people through social and traditional media so that they can vicariously experience the journey from have to have not. It is hoped that greater empathy will be gained for those who live in need, and consequently greater willingness to do something about it.
As a final note, it is important to know that the project’s message is a positive one. We live in a world of abundance and, with very little effort by those who are able to help, poverty can be alleviated. A world of difference can be made in many lives when we share even a small portion of our blessings.
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Editor's Note - Information about That Poverty Project can be found at http://www.thatpovertyproject.com/.
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