NZ Drug Foundation media release 25 February 2011

More than $70,000 has been raised so far in New Zealand’s first ever FebFast – and that total is still rising.

Nearly a thousand people around the country have given up alcohol for all of February, as part of the Drug Foundation’s FebFast fundraiser for four youth charities.

Coordinator Catherine Milburn says donations and sponsorships are continuing to pour in via the FebFast website, www.febfast.org.nz.

“It’s been amazing seeing how people have really taken to the idea of giving their bodies a break from alcohol and fundraising for some worthwhile community organisations,” she says.

Participants include 494 individuals and 44 teams, made up of families, friends and work mates.

“People have been very positive about the campaign – the people we’re hearing from say it has been a very good experience and in a lot of cases it’s been easier than they thought to stop drinking.”

Comments posted on FebFast’s Facebook page include:

“I lost 4 kg and quit smoking.”

“Clear head on a Sunday morning, feels great. Had some extra cash so got my hair done Yay! Feeln alive and happy, and all for a good cause!”

“Saved money but have spent on clothes instead.”

“This no-alcohol lark is great, and I think I'm going to carry it on for longer (some nights of the week anyway!)”

“Have really enjoyed the month – just wish there were more non-alcoholic choices available in bars and restaurants!”

While FebFast officially ends on 1 March, Ms Milburn says FebFast will continue to accept donations throughout March, and the final fundraising tally will take place at the end of March.

“There’s still time to sign up and show your support.”

FebFast has proven popular in Australia, raising more than $1.7 million in the past few years, but it is the first time the fundraiser has been undertaken in New Zealand.

A number of well-known New Zealanders are endorsing the event, including teams of Labour and National MPs, ZM host Polly Gillespie, Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker, chef/food writer Jo Seagar, actor/writer Pinky Agnew, singer Maisey Rika, TV3 journalists Mike McRoberts and Paula Penfold, social media editor Greer McDonald, and The Edge radio hosts Jay-Jay Feeney and Dominic Harvey.

The money raised will go to youth charities Amplify (Auckland), He Taumata Toa/Growing Champions (Wellington), He Haerenga O Wananga/Adventure Therapy (Christchurch), and Whakaata Tohu Tohu/Mirror Counselling Services (Dunedin).

ENDS

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