Drug Foundation, 31 January 2011

Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker is supporting a month-long campaign to raise money for some of New Zealand’s top youth charities.

He’s joining other well-known New Zealanders, such as chef/food writer Jo Seagar, actor/writer Pinky Agnew, singer Maisey Rika, and MPs Jackie Blue and Iain Lees-Galloway, as ambassadors for the Drug Foundation’s FebFast fundraiser (www.febfast.org.nz).

FebFast challenges people to stop drinking for a month (in February) to give their bodies and wallets a break and to raise money for four New Zealand charities that work with young people. One of these charities is in Christchurch.

FebFast has been running for several years in Australia but this is the first time it has been undertaken in New Zealand. Since 2008 more than 10,700 FebFasters have raised over $1.7 million for Australia’s youth and drug services.

Coordinator Catherine Milburn says FebFast isn't about giving up drinking forever.

“It’s about giving our bodies a short break after the festive season and raising much-needed funds for charities working with young people much less fortunate than ourselves,” she says.

And that’s something Bob Parker is happy to support. While he doesn't drink alcohol himself, in his role as Christchurch Mayor he has worked with individuals and community organisations that help people deal with problems related to alcohol use.

“I have seen the down side of alcohol abuse and support any initiative that encourages people to reduce or if they need to cut out their use of alcohol,” Mr Parker says.

“This project not only benefits the health and wellbeing of those participating, but will also raise much-needed funds for charities working with young people. I am particularly pleased that the Christchurch project He Haerenga O Wananga – Adventure Therapy which provides an outdoor programme for young people struggling with challenges in their lives will benefit.”

ENDS

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