Costelloe ready to go dry for July

THE Barwon Health Foundation’s “Billy’s Frothy Fund” team has received a huge boost on the eve of their Dry July campaign with Villawood Properties executive director Rory Costelloe joining the party.

For the third year running, Mr Costelloe will join Geelong Cats legend and team captain Billy Brownless going without alcohol for the month of July to raise money for Barwon Health Foundation’s Andrew Love Cancer Centre.

The Villawood executive director has been one the biggest individual fundraisers in Australia during his past two Dry July campaigns and has raised a total of $81,000 single-handedly.

He said he is hoping to guide “Billy’s Frothy Fund” team to the top in 2023.

“Once you’ve been dobbed in the first time, you’re a captive audience, I guess,” Mr Costelloe said, laughing.

“You can’t say no to Billy when he comes calling and it’s great to be part of it once again.

“The generosity of people who have chipped in over the journey has been huge – Geelong’s a very supportive community.

“It’s always a good challenge to be the highest raiser in Australia, which we have achieved the last two years and will be aiming towards.

“Being part of Billy’s team is always pretty fun and hopefully people can find a way to support again this year.”

Mr Costelloe said digging deep for charities such as the Barwon Health Foundation is something close to his heart.

“I’ve been a long term of the Royal Children’s Hospital and Good Friday Appeal for a long time, and because I’ve been in Geelong for 20 years, I’ve developed an affinity for local causes like this one.

“There are some great health professionals here in Geelong.

“I really want to make sure we have the best health care possible for our community.

“We will just keep chugging away to make sure of it.”

Joining Costelloe and Brownless as part of the “Billy’s Frothy Fund” team is Dallas Byron (Barwon Health’s Andrew Love Cancer Centre lung and brain tumour nurse co-ordinator) and Barwon Health Foundation community ambassador Kylie Blackney.

Since starting off three years ago, the team has raised $180,000 for Barwon Health’s Andrew Love Cancer Centre.

The Barwon Health Foundation itself has raised more than $1.52 million through Dry July fundraising, enhancing cancer patient comfort, care and wellbeing at Barwon Health since 2013.

To donate or to join the team, head to dryjuly.com/geelong