Tomorrow marks the beginning of the 2021 Dry July Campaign.
The campaign was developed from humble beginnings back in July 2008. It started when three mates decided that they needed a break from alcohol, which they used as an opportunity to raise money for a new TV in their local hospital’s waiting room.
They asked their friends and family to sponsor them and aimed to raise around $3000. The campaign ended up raising $250,000, blowing away their expectations and with this, Dry July was born. Since its inception, over 250,000 Australians have gone Dry in July to raise around $60 million for people affected by cancer.
It’s not too late to sign up, use this simple four step process to get behind a great cause.
- Sign up via the following link: https://www.dryjuly.com/users/sign_up.
- Go alcohol free in the month of July.
- Ask your friends, family and colleagues to sponsor you.
- And as a result you’ll be doing your bit to help those affected by cancer.
Additionally, you can create a workplace team and invite your colleagues to join so that your whole organisation can make a difference.
The campaign provides a win-win opportunity for those who choose to put their drinks down for the month of July.
The first advantage is an obvious one, every dollar raised will be used to positively influence the wellbeing of cancer patients, their families and carers. Wellness programs, hospital equipment, transport services and even comfort items are funded by the generous donations that come in each year.
The second advantage is based around the health benefits for the individual going alcohol free. So, by helping others, you’re also helping yourself.
A whole month without hangovers, that sounds pretty good, doesn’t it?
At ADA Australia, we aim to educate people on the various health effects for the body and brain that come as a result of excessive alcohol consumption.
Although many believe that having a few drinks is a part of the Australian culture, we need to remember the simple facts. Alcohol in large doses is toxic, it can, and does, kill. Besides the damage to internal organs like the liver, pancreas, brain and kidneys that can result from severe intoxication, the loss of physical coordination, clarity of thinking and the loss of control and judgement of a heavily affected drinker can put them at serious risk of injury and harm. (See ADA’s The Little Blue Book of MENTAL HEALTH pp. 93)
So why not utilise July as a chance to take a break from alcohol and assess any harmful drinking habits that you may have? All while making a difference towards a great cause.
Please remember, this campaign is aimed at challenging social drinkers to change their habits for a month and make better life choices. It is encouraged to drink at advised levels at other times throughout the year. If you would like to learn some tips for managing your drinking, click here.
It is also advised that heavy drinkers or people dependent on alcohol should speak with their GP before signing up to Dry July.
If this information raised any concerns for you, please do speak to your GP, they can help you back to good health, or call a helpline: LIFELINE 13 11 14 or BeyondBlue 1300 22 4636.