With famine and drought plaguing Africa, one student found the call to take action and “Stand Up for a Life.”
Biochemistry sophomore Larry Robins created an event for University students and the community to take part in a fast to raise awareness for those suffering from hunger. The project asked participants to give up at least one meal Thursday and to donate whatever money they could.
Robins also asked students to donate the amount of money they would have otherwise spent on a meal. Donations were collected at the Baptist Collegiate Ministry on Highland Road. An estimate Thursday night had more than $600.
He said the purpose of fasting is to deprive oneself of food in order to understand the feeling of hunger. Robins said he believes this act serves as a symbolic statement.
Robins said he wanted the University community to unite and fight for change together.
“We cannot sit back and watch regions suffer,” Robins said. “We cannot sit around waiting on the world to change. Change starts now.”
He said the goal of the event isn’t to end hunger, but to spark change.
Robins said he hopes for the whole University to get involved and realize the significance of this issue.
“Just as we unite in Tiger Stadium during football games, we can unite as a campus and stand up for life,” Robins said.
He said he believes the more students who participate in this movement, the more mouths and stomachs can be filled and the more hearts can be touched.
There has been an influx of support on sites like Facebook, with groups dedicated to the cause, and Twitter, with tweets raising awareness for the cause.
The BCM supports efforts to eliminate hunger and supported him in his efforts to help the people of Africa, Robins said.
Geology sophomore Matt Branch said he decided to participate in the cause by fasting for the day and donating money for the fight against famine.
“It’s easy to do,” Branch said. “We take food for granted.”
He said he believes students should try to live a day without food and daily luxuries in order to understand how other people live around the world.
Human geography sophomore Zach Abshire said he gave up his lunch in honor of the cause.
“It is what we are called to do,” Abshire said, noting the importance of helping others.
He said students should be aware that people suffer every day.
“In a nutshell, the reason [for the event] is to stand up for life and love,” Robins said.
 
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Contact Lauren Duhon at [email protected]