On Monday, April 27 Toronto comedian Colin Mochrie and thousands of other people from across the country and around the world will take the Live Below the Line challenge, an innovative campaign to raise awareness of extreme poverty. Long story short, Mochrie and others will have to eat and drink on just $1.75 per day for five days, which is the Canadian equivalent of the extreme poverty line below which 1.2 billion people around the world live. Post City chatted with Mochrie as he prepares for the big day.

Poverty is  frustrating issue, I find, because it just seems like there is enough and it’s not being shared. What is your take on this issue, especially as it relates to us right here in Toronto where reportedly also 25 per cent of residents live in poverty?

I truly believe in helping each other, you know, as small as this sounds, when I was first starting out in career things were tough, friends would help me get on feet. I paid them all back, but it was just that, without their help, I couldn’t have gotten anywhere. Also, in a selfish way, it feels good when I can actually do something for someone, and shine a spotlight on an issue. It’s almost criminal the way we neglect our fellow man. It seems like it could be an easy fix. Feeding the population should be on everyone’s minds.

Do you think people understand how pervasive this is?

Considering how much information we get everyday, it is really easy to ignore a lot of things—especially when there are pictures of Kardashian asses everywhere—and to forget that there are real problems in the world. It is easy to turn a blind eye, and harder to face up to it and do something. That’s why it’s so great to work with the people at Live Below the Line, and other charities that do this to try and get the message out there. It is something that should be on the front page every day.

And now you’re actually taking up this challenge, which sounds like a tough one, what is your game plan?

Drink a lot of water and eat a lot of lentils and quinoa I believe. A lot of people get in groups and pull together money, and that might be easier. It’s harder for me with my schedule and touring and other things so I’ll be by myself. I’m sure that will bring a tear to your eye. Also, chefs have gotten together to come up with recipes to make it a bit easier, like for 65 cents this is breakfast. This is the healthiest I’ve eaten in years.

What do you think will be the hardest thing to give up for that week?

Wine, definitely wine. Not that I have a problem. But wine. again, will be a good thing. That’s the thing I will miss most. Usually we eat pretty good, especially the last little while, Deb and I have been into healthy eating, cutting down portions. I’m at that age when poundage sticks. It’s much harder to get rid of then I remember in my 20s and 30s.

What’s your campaign goal?

I set a big goal of $3 billion. I may be disappointed, but if it did work out, it would be pretty cool. I’ve already raised $500. I’m just going to keep going. The main thing is getting the public aware of this campaign and how the challenge works.

If you could challenge one other person to take up this campaign, who would it be and why?

I’ll challenge Rick Mercer. I’m sure he’d do it no sweat.