Get off alcohol for Cancer and promote Dry July

Praneeta Mahajan
Hamilton, July 18, 2023

Modern-day lifestyle has gradually made social drinking a common occurrence with friends and work colleagues. But we often fail to recognise how a simple change for a few days in our lifestyle can help make a greater impact on the community at large.

One such great initiative is ‘Dry July’ a fundraiser that challenges you to go alcohol-free and raise funds for New Zealanders affected by cancer.

The funds raised by participants of Dry July will help Look Good Feel Better NZ, PINC & STEEL NZ and Prostate Cancer Foundation of New Zealand improve the comfort, care and wellbeing of people affected by cancer.

How it started

In July 2008 in Sydney, Australia, three friends, Brett, Kenny and Phil, wanted to take a break from alcohol, so decided to abstain for the month of July, coining it their ‘Dry July’. They also wanted to raise money for a family member affected by cancer, so they asked friends and family to sponsor them.

Hoping to raise $3000 to buy a TV for their local hospital’s waiting room, the campaign was a huge success. The first Dry July in Australia ended up raising $250,000, thanks to the support of radio host Adam Spencer, and Dry July was well and truly born!

Since Dry July launched in New Zealand in 2012, the campaign has inspired 61,000 Kiwis to go dry, raising $9 million for people affected by cancer, and funding more than 170 projects for 15 beneficiary organisations across the country.

Benefits of Involvement

The best part about taking part in Dry July is that you will be raising funds to improve the comfort, care and well-being of people affected by cancer.

On top of that, you will also experience some great health benefits such as more energy, Improved mental health, a Sense of achievement, Healthier skin, Better sleep and a clearer head.

The spokesperson for the Dry July campaign, Harry Willis said, “Dry July which began more than a decade ago, is set to make an impact as it calls upon Kiwis to take part in a month-long alcohol-free campaign. This powerful initiative not only challenges participants but also addresses the soaring demand for crucial cancer support services across the nation.

In 2022, Dry July NZ Trust had over 7500 participants. To date in 2023, we currently have 7866 Kiwi’s going dry.”

Mr Willis said, “In 2022, Dry July NZ Trust collectively raised over $1.1 million, the third highest in the campaign’s 11 years in Aotearoa. Since Dry July launched in New Zealand in 2012, the campaign has inspired 61,000 Kiwis to go dry, raising $9 million for people affected by cancer, and funding more than 170 projects for 15 beneficiaries. “

This year, Dry July pledges its support to three major cancer support charities:

Look Good Feel Better – Ensures any person facing cancer can access free, practical programmes to help them face cancer with confidence.
Prostate Cancer Foundation of New Zealand – Provides support services for men and their families affected by prostate cancer, including a freephone information line, a free counselling service, a nationwide network of support groups and Prost-FIT classes. See below stories of how these organisations will utilise the funds raised to help those affected by cancer.
PINC & STEEL Cancer Foundation of New Zealand – Supports people in their recovery from cancer treatment through their rehabilitation and exercise programmes.

Each of these organisations plays a vital role in enhancing the lives of New Zealanders facing cancer by offering practical services that address the physical and emotional toll of the disease.

Crucial for youth and society

Mr Willis said that campaigns like these are very impactful in bringing about social change and positivity. He said, “Dry July stands as a powerful movement that not only benefits personal health but also bridges the gap in cancer support services, ensuring that no New Zealander fights cancer alone. By committing to Dry July, our youth show empathy for Kiwis living with cancer and provide them with a new lease on life through these transformative programs.

Everyone knows someone affected by cancer, this is for them. Not only would it give youth personal health benefits in a country where binge drinking is evident, but it will also support thousands of Kiwis who rely on these cancer services to better their lives both mentally and physically.”

How to be a part

You can register for Dry July 2023 or sponsor a friend or join as a team or workplace-interested individuals at www.dryjuly.co.nz to get involved and make a lasting impact.

Two options to support Dry July 2023 are: