Ditching bad behaviour for a good cause

Thousands of people are calling time-out on a vice of their choice this month in support of Australia’s disadvantaged youth.

The new campaign from febfast seeks to raise funds for the thousands of young people battling serious drug or alcohol problems.

Every month in Australia 22,000 young people turn to alcohol and drug support services for help.

febfast is calling on Australians to pledge their commitment to cutting back on alcohol, sugar or something else they enjoy this month to help raise $1 million to support youth services for people with drug and alcohol problems across the country.

Youth Support and Advocacy Service (YSAS) chief executive officer Andrew Bruun said funds from febfast will go towards early intervention.

“When young people are offered treatment, the impact youth workers can have is staggering.

“With at least two weeks of treatment, 70 per cent of affected young people can stop drug use for three months or more and around 90 per cent reconnect with supportive family members and friends.

“This year we are particularly keen to support young people in fire affected regions who are doing it really tough.

“febfast fundraising will help communities in bushfire affected regions in Victoria, NSW and the ACT. YSAS will deliver increased services and investment in the Gippsland region due to the bushfires.”

More than $100,000 has been raised for this year’s febfast so far. To sign up, head to febfast.org.au.