Two thousand people dived simultaneously against poverty at Carcavelos’ beach, near Lisbon, Portugal. “Mergulha Contra a Pobreza” (Dive Against Poverty) teamed up the Portuguese Millennium Campaign – Objectivo 2015, the local municipality and youth organizations to put together a mobilization event that highlighted the midway point to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

It was 5 p.m. sharp on July 6^th when local girl scouts whistled to call all 2000 bathers for a refreshing dive against poverty. Young and old ran into the sea, soaking their special t-shirts. Even the local municipality vice-president couldn’t resist the call against poverty – nor the 30ºC (86ºF).

The Millennium Campaign team wished to stay in the fresh water for the rest of the day. Fat chance. They had to talk to the media and set the Campaign’s Voice Box up, part of the MUSA Festival, a local youth music event.

In Japan, 07-07-07, the midway point for the Millennium Development Goals, coincides with the Tanabata Festival (the Star Festival). This celebrates a Chinese legend and is held in most regions in Japan.

Traditionally, people attach slips of colored paper with wishes written on them, to branches of bamboo. The bamboo and decorations are often cast into the water or burned after the festival, around midnight or on the next day.

Hottokenai Sekai no Mazushisa (Don't let it be - World Poverty), Japan 's national campaign for the Global Call to Action against Poverty (GCAP) asks everyone to send 'wishes' or 'prayers' to end poverty through their website. From July 6^th 12 am to July 7^th 12 pm (Japanese time), the website http://www.hottokenai.jp/777/act  will be available to add your wish, which will be printed and attached to bamboo at the event.