Marlborough Express - Weekend Express
Going dry to support great cause
For many New Zealanders, the idea of 31 days without a drop of alcohol could seem impossible. But each July as the days get shorter and the nights cooler, going alcohol-free for a month is just a small sacrifice made by thousands of dedicated and selfless Kiwis who take part in Dry July, and it’s all to say ‘‘cheers’’ to a better life for people affected by cancer.
Now strongly solidified as a part of Kiwi culture, Dry July is back for 2021, encouraging people around the country to say ‘‘I won’t drink to that’’, raising funds for services that make life better for friends and wha¯ nau affected by cancer.
Despite the challenges of 2020, nearly 8000 Kiwis were inspired to go give up alcohol during last year’s campaign, and the Dry July NZ Trust celebrated more than $1 million raised, directly funding vital cancer programmes.
‘‘We were blown away by the support received last year,’’ says Katie Evans, chief executive of Dry July NZ Trust.
‘‘We are continually amazed and so grateful for the contributions New Zealanders make to Dry July, especially during a challenging period last year.’’
‘‘We are once again asking all New Zealanders to raise money for our beneficiaries this Dry July.
‘‘We’re proud to now be able to support four organisations that offer invaluable assistance to people affected by cancer.
‘‘It’s all thanks to every one of our amazing Kiwi participants and their donors.’’
Each year 26,000 New Zealanders are diagnosed with cancer, so it is becoming more important than ever that specific, targeted cancer programmes are supported to continue to operate and grow.
All funds raised from Dry
July 2021 will directly benefit cancer charities Look Good Feel
‘‘We were blown away by the support received last year.’’
Better, Prostate Cancer Foundation NZ, and Bowel Cancer NZ as well as newly recognised beneficiary PINC & STEEL, which provides cancer rehabilitation physiotherapy.
Funds from Dry July 2020 successfully assisted programmes such as Prost-FIT, an exercise programme designed specifically for men who have had, or are having, ongoing treatment for prostate cancer, as well as a dedicated, fulltime bowel cancer specialist nurse for those undergoing bowel
Register now
Dry July 2021 registrations are now open. Go Dry this July and help raise money for cancer support and care that makes life better. To sign up, sponsor a friend, join as a team or for more information, please visit dryjuly.co.nz.
cancer treatment.
Dry July NZ Trust has been working with Look Good Feel Better since 2016.
In 2020, the organisation, which provides free communitybased programmes for people facing any cancer, was able to facilitate online classes for men for the first time – and was able to continue regional community classes after lockdown.
This article was commissioned in response to a commercial partnership. We have produced it independently, to the same standards applied to the rest of our journalism.