Mount Aspiring College (MAC) student and 40 Hour Famine representative Emily Heath told the Wānaka App in May that the school had an ambitious $12,000 goal for this year's fundraising. 

Six weeks on, students have smashed that goal with $22,706.20 raised - and counting. 

“This impressive total means that MAC is currently the second highest fundraising school in the country for the 2020 World Vision 40 Hour Famine,” Emily said. 

“We are blown away with the support and generosity that we have received from the Wanaka community, especially in one of the most challenging financial times of recent decades.”

MAC students turned the idea of the 40 Hour Famine on its head this year. 

Instead of spending 40 hours giving up something - like food, or cell phones, or wifi - students committed to instead spending their weekend giving back to the community.

MAC students raised more money than any other school around the country.

They helped out in various ways: some students offered free tutoring sessions to junior students who may have struggled with online school, others collected rubbish around Wanaka, and there was a team helping Te Kakano Aotearoa Trust with tree planting.

Bike Wanaka, Cat Rescue Wanaka, Hawea Flat Youth Club and Volunteering Central also got assistance from students, who put the call out for individuals or organisations who needed a hand. .

A whopping 183 MAC students from Years 7-13 signed up to take part, Emily said. 

The 40 Hour Famine this year has a focus on Malawi. 

“All funds raised will help Malawian children and their families adapt to and survive the pressures of a changing climate, as well as fight COVID-19,” Emily said. 

She thanked everyone who accepted assistance or took part.

The fundraiser is still open - learn more or donate here.

PHOTOS: Supplied