Fundraisers begin their Dry July

IT ISN’T uncommon to find a friend skipping Friday night beers for their health, but for the disciplined Dry July participants, sobriety is a health choice that goes far beyond themselves.

This month across Australia, families, friends, celebrities, communities, and workplaces are teaming up and skipping a few beers to raise funds for those affected by cancer.

Dry July is a nationwide campaign that challenges participants to go alcohol-free during July to raise funds for people affected by cancer.

The funds raised through Dry July are used by local beneficiaries of the Dry July Foundation to provide services for cancer patients, their families and carers, including anything from a lift to appointments to therapy programs and a bed during treatment

Last year, the local team started by Geelong Cats legend, Billy Brownless’ Frothy Fund, raised $82,164 for Barwon Health’s Andrew Love Cancer Centre, the most of any team in Australia.

The team is aiming to take first place again this year, with the support of generous local businesses and communities.

In 2021, Villawood Properties executive director Rory Costelloe raised nearly $32,000.00 for Billy Brownless’ Frothy Fund, and is participating again this year.

“[Billy’s fund] is the largest single fundraiser in Australia so I’m really keen to see us get there again and retain the title for our community in Geelong,” he said.

To Mr Costelloe, the Dry July cause has personal significance.

“I’m raising money for Barwon Health’s Andrew Love Cancer Centre in Geelong and in loving memory of my younger brother Justin, who died of cancer in 2018,” he said.

“It may get a bit challenging throughout the month, but I figure it’s a small sacrifice to help improve the lives of people who’ve been affected by cancer.”

This year, local radio personalities Daryl Reader and Roxie Bennett from Bay 93.9’s “The Catch Up” are also joining Billy Brownless’ Frothy Fund as Barwon Health Foundation Dry July ambassadors.

To Ms Bennett, the cause is particularly personal, having been diagnosed with breast cancer at just 35.

“I am doing Dry July because I am a survivor of cancer and it’s a great cause that helps support patients at a challenging time,” she said.

“Let’s do this for the Andrew Love Cancer Centre.”

Mr Reader also has personal reason to support local cancer centres.

“I am doing it because my family is directly affected by cancer and my mother spent time at Andrew Love. It is a good cause to get behind,” he said.

The funds raised will be used by the Andrew Love Cancer Centre to provide anything from specialist cancer care such as accommodation for treatment to unwinding in a wellness program.

Barwon Health Foundation executive director Zoe Waters said every dollar raised would count to provide that extra level comfort and support for cancer patients.

“It is also a great way for people impacted by cancer to support the amazing cancer services team who provide such incredible care every day.

“In previous years Dry July has funded wellness therapies such as art therapy, oncology massage and exercise therapy which have been loved and embraced by patients.

“We hope the community of Geelong will sign up or donate to Dry July this year to help us deliver more initiative that will bring smiles and comfort to patients.”

While most signups take place in the first three or four days of July, fundraising runs right through the month.

To support your friends and family in their Dry July, head to dryjuly.com/geelong