Lights off for Earth Hour

(NC)— It started in 2007, when 2.2 million individuals and more than 2,000 businesses in Australia turned their lights off for one hour to take a stand against climate change. A year later, more than 50 million people across 35 countries participated in what became a global sustainability movement.

This year, on March 31st from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., more than 120 countries are expected to participate. For some, this one hour of darkness might sound like too much to bear. Without their gadgets, televisions, laptops, and the Internet, many people freeze at the thought of being disconnected.

But, as supporters point out, it's worth stopping to think that for millions of people living in developing countries, the electricity we take for granted is a luxury that they can't afford.

“When the sun sets in the rural areas where we work, children who don't have any other source of light have to stop studying and go to sleep,” says Mark Lukowski, CEO of the Christian Children's Fund of Canada. “It's heartbreaking because these children really want to learn, but their economic situations hinder them from success.”

The organization works in these communities to build safe places and support children, individuals, and families so they can break the cycle of extreme poverty.

“Earth Hour lets us get a glimpse into life for those in the developing world who are left in the dark on a daily basis,” says Lukowski. “It's an eye-opener and a great way to challenge ourselves to do more for them.”

If you would like to make a difference, take a look at www.ccfcanada.ca. On the site you can purchase gift catalogue items like an oil lamp and fuel for a year for $60, or a fuel-efficient cooking stove for $65 to help those in need.

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