FebFast challenge begins today for hundreds of New Zealanders

Drug Foundation media release, 1 February 2011

Hundreds of people woke this morning to the prospect of a whole month without alcohol.

And for many of them, that’s something to look forward to.

They’re taking part in the Drug Foundation’s first ever FebFast challenge in New Zealand.

They've decided to stop drinking during February to raise money for some of New Zealand’s top youth charities through sponsorship and donations, and to give their bodies and wallets a rest after the festive season.

FebFast Coordinator Catherine Milburn says some people will find it easy to go a month without drinking alcohol, but others will find it challenging.

“I know some people definitely had to take a deep breath before signing up,” she says.

“I really admire everyone who’s taking part. It’s not an easy thing to give up if you enjoy a few drinks with mates or a glass of wine with dinner.

“Some people are doing it because they want to see how much money they can save in February by not drinking while others want to shed a few excess kilos or focus more on healthy living. Whatever the reasons, the result will be some extra funds for organisations working with at-risk young people, and that’s fantastic.”

Ms Milburn says it’s not too late to sign up for FebFast .

“People can sign up right through February, and provide sponsorship or donations through to the end of March. There’s still time to take part so don't be shy!”

FebFast has been running in Australia for several years but it is the first time the fundraiser has been undertaken in New Zealand.

Well-known New Zealanders endorsing the event include chef/food writer Jo Seagar, actor/writer Pinky Agnew, Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker, singer Maisey Rika, TV3 journalists Mike McRoberts and Paula Penfold, social media editor Greer McDonald, The Edge radio hosts Jay-Jay Feeney and Dominic Harvey, ZM breakfast host Pauline Gillespie, and a number of National and Labour MPs including Jackie Blue and Iain Lees-Galloway.

Visit www.febfast.org.nz for more information about how to register, who the ambassadors are and where the money raised will be going.

FebFast is also on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/FebFast-New-Zealand/169814249695781 and onTwitter at http://twitter.com/FebFastNZ .

ENDS

© Scoop Media