BRICC to benefit from an alcohol-free July

THE annual Dry July initiative is seeing many give up alcohol and raise funds for charitable organisations.

Ballarat Health Service’s Regional Integrated Cancer Centre is one of many beneficiaries of the program.

This year, donations from the fund will be distributed to BRICC’s Wellness Centre which offers a range of free programs to support those dealing with cancer.

Coordinator of the Wellness Centre Simone Noelker said these services aren’t financially backed by the government and instead rely solely on fundraising.

“We run about 14 different programs including oncology massage, yoga, shiatsu, financial advice sessions, bra fittings, mindfulness and lymphedema information sessions.

“The Dry July program will help continue to pay for all of the programs we offer,” she said.

Just days into the initiative, the community have already raised over $7000 and is on track to meet the $40,000 raised last year.

Head of Fundraising at BHS Sarah Masters said the Wellness Centre is surprised by the generosity of those getting involved in the program and donating.

“If we reach to where we did last year, we’ll be very happy because at a time like this, we’re so grateful to get any support at all,” she said.

Since 2008, the event has involved over 20,000 Australians to opt out of drinking and raise over $49 million for people impacted by cancer as well as funding projects at over 80 organisations.

This July, teams from businesses including The Haymarket and Bunnings Ballarat have already pledged to fundraise and take part the initiative.

Donations can be made all month on Dry July Foundation’s website.