How to Make It through Dry July

HOW TO MAKE IT THROUGH DRY JULY

Dry July’s guide to a successful booze-free month

For the past six years, Dry July has challenged thousands of social drinkers to take their espresso without the martini and steer clear of alcohol for the month of July to raise funds for people affected by cancer. Although rallying donations is an important undertaking, maintaining the willpower to avoid a tipple for thirty-one days is often considered the more difficult task. Brett Macdonald, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder Dry July, offers motivation to help challengers stay dry until 1 August 2017.

“You might think 31 days without alcohol seems tough, but it’s nothing compared to what cancer patients are going through. That’s why, six years on, Dry July is the opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of people affected by cancer all around Australia,” said Macdonald.

“Having a month off alcohol also has great health benefits, such as sleeping better, having more energy and of course, no hangovers! So you're not only helping others, you're helping yourself. It's a win-win!”

To date, the Dry July campaign has provided funding to 13 cancer support organisations working to improve patient care and wellbeing across New Zealand. Come November, the Dry July NZ Trust will hold a grant funding round to distribute the funds raised between eligible cancer service organisations.

Soul Sodas, a proud Kiwi company, are on board as Dry July New Zealand’s exclusive drinks partner, alongside Dry July ambassador Aaron Gascoigne and Gareth Stewart who have registered for the challenge.

For more tips and tricks on making it through Dry July, visit www.dryjuly.co.nz or follow the conversation on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. Participants worried about missing a special occasion that falls in the month of July can purchase a Golden Ticket for a $25 donation and receive one night off the challenge.

ENDS

DRY JULY – ADVICE FROM THE EXPERTS

Dry July 2017 ambassadors share their tips and tricks

Since 2012, the Dry July Foundation has raised more than $2.8 million for cancer support organisations in New Zealand. Read on to learn the tips and tricks of our 2017 Kiwi ambassadors.

AARON GASCOIGNE, DRY JULY AMBASSADOR

“This will be my third year being involved with Dry July. Having seen the devastating effect cancer has on friends and family, I do this as one incredibly small sacrifice so that it might help others in some way. The first week is a tough one, but then it gets rather less challenging as the month continues – in fact you feel bloody good!! Remember that getting off the sauce should be easy compared to living with a horrible disease like cancer. But if you are tempted, give yourself a stern talking to and donate at least $100.”

GARETH STEWART, DRY JULY AMBASSADOR “I did Dry July for the first time last year and I was proud of myself for how well I did. This time around, I will be making more of an effort to detox a little and get back into going to the gum and looking after my body. This is a great way to kick start the regime. My advice to other participants is to keep trying, even if you have to do a few extra days in August to make up for it.”

About Dry July

The Dry July NZ Trust exists to help improve this experience. Since 2012, the Dry July NZ Trust has raised more than $2.8 million through the Dry July campaign for cancer support organisations in New Zealand. Funds raised by Dry July participants are distributed via a grants program by the Dry July NZ Trust. Some of the projects we’ve funded to-date:

• New chemotherapy treatment chairs

• New patient accommodation and transport vehicles

• Upgraded waiting areas

• Refurbished gardens and balconies

• New TVs, WiFi internet connections, laptops and iPads

• Music and art therapy programs

• Patient journals and wig libraries

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