1 February 2012
FebFast 2012 gets underway

The New Zealand Drug Foundation’s premier FebFast fundraising event started today, with people around the country beginning a month without alcohol.

They’re raising money via online sponsorship for four charities working with young people affected by drugs or alcohol. More details are available at www.febfast.org.nz.

A number of high profile ambassadors are supporting this year’s FebFast, including award winning singer/songwriter Maisey Rika, professional rugby player Scott Waldrom, Olympic speed skater Blake Skjellerup, comedian Guy Williams, Wellington Mayor Celia Wade-Brown, performer/writer and celebrant Pinky Agnew, ZM radio host Polly Gillespie, The Edge radio hosts Jay-Jay Feeney and Dominic Harvey, Green Party Co-Leader Metiria Turei, National MP Jackie Blue, and Labour MP Iain Lees-Galloway.

Jay-Jay Feeney says she and Dominic Harvey are looking forward to saving some money by not drinking during February.

“We’re getting some serious home improvements done and really need to save money,” she says.

“The amount we spend on wine each week is ridiculous! We’re also both really keen to get healthy and break our bad habits. Dom is also in training for several marathons, so that will keep him motivated during February.”

Wellington Mayor Celia Wade-Brown is also taking part in FebFast, and says a month without drinking alcohol will give her fitness regime a boost.

“I'm taking part in Wellington’s seven kilometre Round-the Bays run at the end of February, so I'm hoping that going alcohol-free during FebFast will help me feel fitter and better prepared,” she says.

Rugby player Scott Waldrom says he notices the difference in his fitness and ability to recover from hard training sessions when he doesn't drink.

“It’s about doing what’s best for your body when you need it to perform well, and drinking too much alcohol when you want to want to be in peak condition isn't a good idea,” he says.

For Auckland FebFast participant Andrew Grear, giving up alcohol for a month is all about the personal challenge of making sure he’s in charge of his drinking, not the other way round. It helps, too, that the last time he took part he managed to save $300 to $400 by not buying red wine during the month.

FebFast Coordinator Catherine Milburn says it’s not too late for people to sign up to take part.

“If you like a good challenge and you want to give something back to the community, come and join us in FebFast,” she says.

ENDS

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