An initiative known as "Live Below the Line" is challenging individuals to experience life with minimal resources by surviving on a budget of $1.90 per day for five days. This effort seeks to educate participants about the struggles faced by millions living in extreme poverty across the globe. Through personal engagement, the campaign fosters empathy and motivates action, primarily through fundraising activities. Since its inception, when around 1.2 billion people were living below the global poverty line set at $1.50 daily, the program has grown significantly. Celebrities such as Tom Hiddleston, Josh Groban, and Ben Affleck have contributed their voices and platforms to amplify the message, reaching broader audiences. In addition to individual participation, events like "Below the Show," held in Melbourne, demonstrate how community involvement can strengthen advocacy efforts. The campaign continues to evolve, encouraging solidarity and awareness towards those still affected by extreme poverty.

When the "Live Below the Line" campaign was initially introduced, it highlighted the plight of over 1.2 billion people worldwide who were enduring conditions of extreme poverty. At that time, the benchmark for survival was considered to be approximately $1.50 per day. This figure reflected the harsh realities many faced in developing countries. Early successes included engaging more than 50,000 participants globally, collectively raising $10 million to assist impoverished communities. As times changed, so did the economic indicators; by 2022, the World Bank adjusted the threshold for extreme poverty to less than $2.15 per day, yet an estimated 700 million individuals remained trapped in these circumstances. Despite improvements in statistics, the urgency to address this issue persists.

High-profile figures have played pivotal roles in amplifying the campaign's reach. For instance, British actor Tom Hiddleston participated actively, sharing insights into his own challenges during the experiment. Standing at 6’2", he described vividly how quickly hunger manifested physically and mentally while adhering to a mere £1-per-day allowance. His reflections underscored not only the tangible difficulties but also the psychological toll associated with food insecurity. Similarly, singer Josh Groban embraced the challenge multiple times, even drawing inspiration to create music inspired by his experiences. He expressed gratitude for being part of something meaningful, acknowledging society's tendency to overlook daily privileges. Meanwhile, Ben Affleck utilized his celebrity status to promote the Eastern Congo Initiative, advocating for social and economic development in conflict-prone areas.

Innovative approaches continue to enhance the campaign's impact. A notable example includes "Below the Show," organized in 2023 by Oaktree Australia. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Melbourne’s Colour Club, the event seamlessly blended entertainment with philanthropy. Featuring performances from emerging artists such as Meghna, Misty Harlowe, Backo, and Aidan Efron, proceeds benefited Oaktree’s Youth Solidarity Fund. This initiative supports grassroots projects led by young advocates within the Asia-Pacific region. By integrating artistic expression with activism, the campaign illustrated that fostering change needn't always feel burdensome—it can be both enjoyable and empowering.

Moving forward, the Live Below the Line campaign plans another edition scheduled between April 27 and May 1, 2025. Participants will dedicate themselves to living on $1.50 per day for all food and drink expenses over five days. Beyond financial sacrifices, this exercise invites deeper reflection on the lives of 700 million fellow humans enduring similar hardships daily. Engaging in this endeavor serves dual purposes: generating funds and igniting conversations aimed at driving lasting transformation.