What is Dry July?
Dry July is a not-for-profit organisation aimed at improving the lives of adults living with cancer, and is a fundraising campaign aimed at challenging social drinkers to change their habits for a month in order to make some healthy lifestyle changes.
By giving up alcohol for the month of July, it’s a good opportunity to raise awareness of individual drinking habits and the importance of a healthy, balanced diet and lifestyle.
Challenge yourself to 31 days dry, or this year, have a Dry(ish) July and choose 21 or 14 days dry. Once you’ve signed up, you will get your very own unique profile page to share with friends and family to receive donations.
How it all began…
You’ve heard the joke ‘Three men walk into a bar…’ No, really, that’s how the first Dry July started!
In July 2008, three mates, 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 cause very close to their hearts, so they asked friends and family to sponsor them.
Hoping to raise $3,000 to buy a TV for their local hospital’s waiting room, the campaign was a huge success. The first Dry July ended up raising $250,000, thanks to the support of comedian Adam Spencer, and Dry July was well and truly born!
Since then, Dry July has inspired more than 200,000 Aussies to go dry, raising $49 million for people affected by cancer, and funding projects at more than 80 cancer organisations across Australia.
What are the health benefits?
Having a Dry July has great health benefits. Each year participants report sleeping better, having more energy and productivity and of course, no hangovers! So you’re not only helping others, you’re helping yourself. It’s a win-win!
Here are some of the benefits you could experience by going dry this July:
- A clearer head
- More energy
- Sleeping better
- Weight loss
- Healthier skin
- Sense of achievement
How do I participate?
Dry July starts soon so head over to dryjuly.com and sign up using your email or Facebook account.
Your fundraising will support people affected by cancer by funding:
- Transport to treatment
- Accommodation close to treatment
- Information telephone support lines
- Specialist cancer care nurses
We encourage people to drink responsibly and stick to the recommended daily guidelines for the rest of the year. Heavy drinkers or people dependent on alcohol are advised to speak with their GP before signing up to Dry July.
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