Dry July is so much more than just taking a break from booze for 31 days for the sake of your own health. Here’s everything you need to know about this initiative and why joining it is an excellent idea.
Dry July is an annual campaign, organised to raise money for Look Good Feel Better – a charity working to normalise the lives of people going through cancer treatments. Their main aim is to lessen the impact of chemotherapy on a woman’s appearance and mental health. Look Good Feel Better provides patients with a fun day away from their treatment – patients receive a makeup pack filled with donated skincare and personalised makeup; the team of volunteers guide them through a 12-step skincare and make-up regime, specifically taking care of the key ‘problem’ areas, such as re-defining the eye area when ladies have lost brows and lashes.
By joining Dry July 2019 you won’t only benefit from a load of health and mental wellbeing benefits, you’ll also make financial savings and help raise awareness and money for a good cause.
The story of Dry July
It all started in Australia in 2008. Three mates Brett, Kenny and Phil wanted to buy a TV for their local hospital’s waiting room. Hoping to raise $3,000 they decided to give up alcohol for the month of July. The campaign was a huge success and the very first Dry July in Australia ended up raising $250,000!
It only crossed the ditch to New Zealand in 2012 but over 29,000 Kiwis have already joined the initiative, raising a whopping $3.8 million for Look Good Feel Better and those affected by cancer. Dry July has also funded more than 170 local cancer-based projects!
What’s in it for you?
The first and most important benefit of joining the initiative is obviously the amazing feeling you’ll get from changing the lives of those affected by cancer. It’s a great idea and it needs your support!
But there’s also a lot more behind it. The health benefits of Dry July include an energy boost, weight loss, a better night’s sleep (here are some more tips to help you sleep well, by the way) and improved liver function. You’ll also feel more alert, focused and positive.
And need we even mention the financial benefits? Geez, that wine isn’t getting any cheaper, right?
How can you raise money for Dry July 2019?
Talk to your friends. Most people have a close friend or family member who has been affected by cancer so they should be keen to help others going through the same situation. And, since that means supporting you to stay sober for a month, how can one say ‘No’?
Use social media. Share your Dry July journey on Facebook and Instagram and remind people to make donations. Even a dollar or two add up in the long run! It’s OK to ask – you’re doing it for a good cause!
Ask your employer about a Dollar Matching programme. Many companies have an Employee Dollar Matching programme and will match your fundraising or donation to a charity. It’s a popular workplace initiative so talk to your HR Department or Corporate Social Responsibility team. The Dry July Foundation is a registered charity, meaning every donation over $5, including dollar matching donations, are tax deductible – so maybe your company will decide to donate as well?
Tips to get you through Dry July
Find support. If you’re used to pairing your dinner steak with red wine the thought of suddenly going dry for a whole month might be quite a challenge. So, buddying up with a friend is a great idea. By supporting and looking after each other, you’ll breeze through this experiment!
Clean the fridge. And pantry. And lock your wine cellar. Sipping on a chilled bottle of beer after a long day of work can be way too tempting so before you fold, make sure there are no distractions in sight.
Replace. Virgin Margarita, citrus mocktails, kombucha – you’ll be surprised how many alcohol-free delicious alternatives there are on the market. Go all in and find your new fav next Friday night at the bar.
Set a goal. By not drinking this July you’re saving some money, remember? Think of what you want to do with this sum – organise a weekend escape, visit that expensive spa you’ve been dreaming about or maybe even treat yourself to a new coffee machine? Keep this plan in mind throughout the month – it will help you stay focused on the final result, not your current cravings.
Remind yourself why you’re doing it. It’s not only about you this time. You’re raising money to support those living with cancer! Think of them and how happy you can make them by sticking to the commitment.
Here’s the link to sign up to this great initiative
