Participants raise empty glasses for Dry Feb
People cut out alcohol consumption in February as part of Canadian Cancer Society initiative
Dry Feb is a fundraiser that challenges Canadians to go alcohol-free in February, while raising funds for the Canadian Cancer Society.
“Only one-third of Canadians know there’s a link between alcohol and increased risk of cancer,” said Angie Mcauley, director of partnerships and health promotion with the Canadian Cancer Society. “To me, that’s why Dry Feb is important. It’s creating awareness and education so people can make informed decisions about their alcohol consumption.”
Keleigh Leonard, a two-time cancer survivor from St. John’s, was one of the thousands across Canada who participated in the Canadian Cancer Society’s Dry Feb initiative.
“I’ve been sleeping better, I’ve lost weight and my anxiety levels are even down,” said Leonard. “I’m feeling so good that I plan on continuing it.”
Across Canada there were 9,669 participants, who raised $363,086 by Feb. 28. There were 106 participants in Newfoundland and Labrador, who raised $2,143.
Leonard recently moved back to Newfoundland and Labrador after living in Alberta for 18 years. She says going alcohol-free in St. John’s is a difficult task.
“In Alberta drinking was more like something that was planned,” she said. “In Newfoundland it’s always here and ready to go. You can’t go anywhere without being offered a drink.
“Of course, I knew there would be celebrations when I moved home after 18 years. But the problem is that the celebrations never end.”
Leonard says many people asked if she planned to reward herself with a drink when the sober month came to an end.
“I’m not going to celebrate not drinking by drinking,” she said.
As for the fundraising side of the initiative, Leonard says she was disappointed by the lack of support.
“When I first started talking about the challenge, people were supportive,” she said. “But when I actually started, without a drink in my hand there were no supporters to be found.”
Leonard says that out of her almost 800 Facebook friends, she couldn’t find one other person participating in this year’s Dry Feb.
“I spent most of the month away from the friends that I normally socialize with,” she said. “But I’m not going to search out situations anymore that involve a lot of alcohol.”
Mcauley says this is the second year for Dry Feb, but the first year it has taken place in Newfoundland and Labrador.
“Given that this was the first year in Newfoundland and Labrador we are really pleased with the uptake,” Mcauley said. “I expect that by next year we will grow even more.”