Unite to Fight Poverty Concert

Compassion International, Food For The Hungry and World Vision announce ‘Unite To Fight Poverty’ concert to support the world’s poor impacted by COVID-19

– Virtual concert brings together 21 major Christian artists, including Hillsong Worship, TobyMac, Michael W. Smith and Kirk Franklin; hosted by Sadie Robertson Huff and Carlos Whittaker

As the world continues to fight the global Coronavirus pandemic, three Christian humanitarian organisations—World Vision, Compassion International and Food for the Hungry—have announced the Unite to Fight Poverty virtual concert to support the most vulnerable children living in extreme poverty suffering from the impacts of COVID-19 and other natural disasters.

Hosted by Sadie Robertson Huff and Carlos Whittaker, Unite to Fight Poverty will feature inspiring performances by TobyMac, Hillsong Worship, Kirk Franklin, for KING & COUNTRY, Tamela Mann, Michael W. Smith, Steven Curtis Chapman, Matthew West, CeCe Winans, Natalie Grant, Zach Williams, Mandisa, Big Daddy Weave, Matt Maher, Phil Wickham, Christine D’Clario, Blanca, Rita Springer, Dante Bowe, Colony House and Jon Reddick. Special appearances will be made by Bishop T.D. Jakes, Amy Grant, Tori Kelly and Rend Collective.

UK viewers can watch the concert when it streams live on the Unite Poverty website at 1.30am on Saturday 29th August– it’ll then available on demand at the same website afterwards.

This unique event will bring the Christian community together to respond to God’s call to serve children who are in the greatest risk of hunger, delayed education, and violence due to the pandemic. For families living in extreme poverty during the pandemic, it could take hours on foot to reach a healthcare clinic with no access to a ventilator or ICU bed. Many frontline healthcare workers do not have basic PPE supplies or even clean water and soap.

Much progress made in fighting global poverty is at risk because of the impacts from COVID-19. Already, 110 million more children are going hungry due to the economic impacts of the pandemic, and half a billion more people are at risk of being pushed into extreme poverty. According to a recent report in the Lancet Journal, 10,000 more children a month are dying from hunger due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“We are in the middle of a horrific global pandemic, and it’s easy to forget the epidemic of poverty. There are children who need access to medicines, clean water and education. These needs have existed long before now, and the moment we are in has only increased the need,” said award-winning singer-songwriter Natalie Grant. “We can be a part of the solution and bringing hope at a time when hope is desperately needed. And I think this event will be full of hope.”

“COVID-19 has left a lot of families in need and poverty,” said Grammy award-winning artist Kirk Franklin. “It is our duty as Christians to band together and fight against this global pandemic of extreme poverty. It’s an honour to partner with Compassion, Food for the Hungry and World Vision in the battle against poverty. Everyone’s efforts will be needed to make a change.”

The three US organisations are collectively responding to surmounting needs increased by COVID-19 in more than 70 countries. Funds raised by Unite to Fight Poverty will go to programs preventing the spread of coronavirus, such as providing clean water and hygiene supplies, and helping families in extreme poverty suffering from the devastating aftershocks of the pandemic or other natural disasters.