TV journalists take on tough assignment

TV journalists take on tough assignment

Drug Foundation media release, 27 January 2011

Top TV3 journalists Mike McRoberts and Paula Penfold are going alcohol-free in February to support charities working with young people.

The husband-and-wife journalism duo are ambassadors for the Drug Foundation’s FebFast fundraiser, in which people stop drinking for a month to raise money.

They’re joining other well-known New Zealanders, such as actor/writer Pinky Agnew, chef/food writer Jo Seagar, Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker, National Party MP Jackie Blue, singer/songwriter Maisey Rika, social media journalist Greer McDonald, and The Edge radio hosts Jay-Jay Feeney and Dominic Harvey in the FebFast challenge (www.febfast.org.nz ).

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 TV3 news presenter Mike McRoberts is happy to endorse.

“I can't remember the last time I went more than a week without alcohol,” he says. “It was probably when I was reporting in Afghanistan or Iraq. I'm looking forward to the challenge and the awareness that FebFast will provide.”

60 Minutes journalist Paula Penfold agrees.

“After a Christmas and summer of over-indulging, FebFast is a good incentive to quit wine and in the process raise money for a group of well-targeted charities,” she says.

“I don't know how easy or hard it'll be to give up drinking for a month – it'll be an interesting test!”

ENDS

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