// Frequently Asked Questions

The Fast is Concern’s biggest annual fundraiser. It's 24 hours of fun, friends, fasting and fundraising to help raise vital funds for malnourished children in the world’s poorest countries.

It's on Thursday 10 November. But don’t worry if that day doesn’t suit – you can do the Fast on another day if you like.

Every year, 3.5 million children die from malnutrition. Concern works to prevent this by helping children at the most critical time – from conception to two years old. This is the best way to ensure children have the best chance at a full and healthy life.

Nutrition programmes

We help mothers to take care of themselves and their children. We teach them the benefits of breast feeding and how to provide the best nutrition for their babies.

Agriculture

We give people the seeds, tools and know-how to provide a sustainable source of food for themselves and their families.

Help in emergencies

When children are in danger of malnutrition, we provide them with food like plumpynut, a highly nutritious peanut paste.

Read more about who we help.

Don't worry, you don’t have to actually fast to take part. Loads of people do something else to raise money. Have a look at our fundraising ideas.

Remember to be safe whatever you do. Although we really appreciate your help, Concern does not and cannot accept any liability for any injury as a result of activity you undertake to raise funds.

You can do a 12 or 24 hour fast and get your friends, colleagues and family to sponsor you for the challenge. You must be over 16 years of age to participate, and if you are under 18 you’ll need your parents’ permission. 

Remember to drink lots of fluids and have a cup of soup if you need it. If you feel dizzy, eat something immediately. If you’re under stress or if you’re tired, we recommend that you don’t fast until you feel better.

You shouldn't fast if you're diabetic, if you have kidney or liver problems, or if you're pregnant or breast feeding. Also, you shouldn't take part if you suffer from an eating disorder, asthma or tuberculosis. If in doubt, consult your doctor.

If, at any point during your fast, you become dizzy, light-headed or develop a headache, you should eat something. Don't worry about not completing the fast – your sponsors will understand.

It's easy. Just set up your online Fast profile by signing in and you’ll have your very own fundraising page that you can email on to your friends and family. You can even add your own message, picture and fundraising target.

Indeed you can! Lots of people take to the streets each year to shake a bucket for the Concern Fast. Just let us know if you’re interested by emailing fast [at] concern [dot] net and we’ll help you get started.

Easy! Just pick one of the options on the return your money page.

Yes, Clare Quigley is our school speaker for the Fast. She'll be happy to visit your school. Send us an email at fast [at] concern [dot] net and we’ll arrange a day that suits you.

89.9% of every euro goes directly to our beneficiaries in the countries where we work. Learn more about how your money works to transform lives.