Costelloe doubles up in Dry July

GEELONG business leader Rory Costelloe is doubling donations to his Dry July campaign, as part of Billy Brownless Team Love raising funds for Barwon Health’s Andrew Love Cancer Centre.

The Villawood Properties executive director has topped the individual Dry July leaderboard for the past four years and is trying to do so again.

He has raised a total $166,000 as a key contributor to Team Love – also known as Billy’s Frothy Fund – which has also topped the teams category for four years, raising more than $342,000.

“It’s been a fantastic four years doing Dry July, and I’m always amazed at the generosity we see,” Mr Costelloe said.

“I’m keen to retain the title so I am now doubling donations, dollar for dollar up to $10,000. Every dollar people donate will be worth two.”

He said the end of Dry July was near and he hoped people could dig deep to help the cause.

“Every cent raised goes to services and care to help make life better for people affected by cancer.

“My campaign is in memory of my younger brother Justin, who died of cancer seven years ago, for my niece who is currently bravely battling cancer and for people and families struck by cancer.

“I’m hopeful the community will get behind us once again. Whether we finish first or not, it’s about doing our best for a cause that truly matters.”

Dry July encourages people to go alcohol-free for 31 days and raise funds for cancer services.

The Barwon Health Foundation has raised more than $1.8 million through Dry July since 2013, supporting a range of initiatives including:

• Refurbishment of chemotherapy and patient accommodation facilities
• Transport vehicles for patients, and
• Wellness therapies such as massage, art therapy, yoga and physiotherapy.

Barwon Health Foundation executive director Zoe Waters said the foundation was incredibly proud of the community’s ongoing support.

“The energy, generosity and determination shown by people like Rory and Billy are what make this campaign so successful year after year.

“Every dollar raised goes directly toward improving comfort and care for cancer patients and their families here in Geelong.”

For more information or to donate, head to dryjuly.com/users/rory-costelloe