The Dry July fundraiser encourages individuals over the age of eighteen to go alcohol-free, or “dry”, in July to raise funds for people affected by cancer.
These funds help provide services for cancer patients such as wellness programs, guidance from specialist nurses, facility refurbishments, and transport services.
Since 2008 over 200,000 Australians have participated in in the campaign which has raised $60 million for those affected by cancer, with over 80 cancer organisations supported.
The campaign arose in 2008 when three men decided to take a break from alcohol, deciding to do so for the month of July, coining the phrase “Dry July”. These men also wanted to raise money for a cause they held dear and asked family and friends to help sponsor them.
The campaign not only benefit those living with cancer, but also the individuals undertaking alcohol abstinence themselves.
The many health improvements associated with giving up alcohol for an entire month include improved hydration, mental health improvements, and a healthier liver.
The Cancer Council has been a beneficiary of the Dry July Foundation receiving funding for its 13 11 20 information and Support Service which is run by experienced health professionals for all Australians affected by cancer.
The support phone line has seen an increase of patients reaching out for cancer information and support due to impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
With community fundraising from foundations such as Dry July, the support service continues to provide much-needed assistance ensuring no Australian has to endure cancer alone.
The Dry July Foundation supports numerous Australian cancer organisations which can be found here: https://www.dryjuly.com/tagged_posts
More information can be found about the campaign and its fundraising options here: https://www.dryjuly.com/fundraising
Ryan Fritz
Ryan Fritz started The Advocate in 2014 to provide not-for-profits and charities another media platform to tell their worthwhile hard news stories and opinion pieces effortlessly. In 2020, Ryan formed a team of volunteer journalists to help spread even more high-quality stories from the third sector. He also has over 10 years experience as a media and communications professional for not-for-profits and charities and currently works at Redkite, a childhood cancer charity.
