Live Below the Line Challenge

Joshua Barker admits he never used to look beyond the issues of his own community. That all changed during an army deployment to Afghanistan in 2011, where he was made to feel very welcome by the Afghan community.

Sun (will power, determination) sextile Saturn (compassion, self-discipline, thrift, economy) conjunct Makemake (personal acceptance of one’s cause and karma).

Many lived in poverty."Just seeing that first hand, it gave me a big sort of shock. I really loved the people in Afghanistan and it was that love that changed me."

Joshua Barker has helped raise money for TEAR Fund’s anti-trafficking partners through a dining fundraiser.On Sunday, the 28-year-old Cantabrian launched a campaign to raise money for the global fight against human trafficking.

The former soldier-turned chef, now truck driver and part time business student, dished up a 75 cent meal at his Dine Below the Line event at Christchurch's Cashmere New Life Church and ahead of the Live Below the Line initiative.

The 2015 Live Below the Line challenge kicked off on September 21. It challenges participants to live on $2.25 a day – the New Zealand equivalent of the global extreme poverty line – for all their food for five days.

"I used to always have that attitude, which quite a few people have of 'let's help Kiwis first'. But I just have this feeling that even 50 cents can make a difference for someone living in a third world country," Barker said.

"Even when I had hardly anything and was living on a very tight budget I still had riches compared to what they have.

"It's quite personal now. Something really changed in my heart. Before I never used to think outside of my own country or community."

Barker has rallied his workplace, Contact Rock Gas, for support for his fundraising scheme.

He drew on the Middle East for his nutritious chickpea stew at the Dine Below the Line event.

The fundraiser attracted more than 50 people, including some nutritionists and dieticians, who paid $5 for their 75 cent meal.

"I've got a bit of know-how. Most Kiwis have that bred into them and it's just a matter of shopping round. We often settle for our convenience choices."

Money raised through the initiative will go towards TEAR Fund's anti-trafficking work in Southeast Asia.

Barker set his target at $1000 and had already exceeded that.

He is also doing the Live Below the Line challenge. On day two of his five day challenge, he had eaten 45 cents worth of food.

"I'm quite used to this. I have been able to push my body like this in the past to its potential, when it comes to effectiveness and productivity."

TEAR Fund hopes to raise $250,000 this year for its anti-trafficking partners, who free and rehabilitate women and children trapped in sexual exploitation and work with the authorities to facilitate the prosecution of those responsible.

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Source: stuff.co.nz