Drinks off the menu for cancer fundraiser
Could you give up alcohol for a month? Submissions are open for Dry July to raise funds for Cancer Council Tasmania as COVID-19 prompts an alcohol sales spike.
Tasmania
Don't miss out on the headlines from Tasmania. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Submissions have opened for Dry July to raise funds for Cancer Council Tasmania as COVID-19 prompts an alcohol sales spike.
The annual fundraiser has returned for another year of fresh sign-ups taking the challenge for charity to go one month without alcohol.
Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Council CEO Allison Lai said the thought of giving up drinking for a month brought up “interesting” feelings for many people.
“Some may be worried about having nothing to do or being cut off socially, while others may not be that worried and excited about saving money,” she said.
“It’s important to realise that alcohol is a drug and is naturally toxic to our bodies and people will notice a difference in their health from not drinking for a month.”
Cancer Council Tasmania CEO Penny Egan said a month of abstinence could promote better sleep, improved mental health, healthier skin and weight loss.
She said drinking alcohol increased the risk of several cancers, with oral cancers six times more common in alcohol drinkers than non-drinkers.
Ms Lai said anxiety, stress, loneliness and boredom were motivators for some people drinking more during COVID-19.
“Now that restrictions are lifting and we start spending less time at home, we anticipate that these drinking levels will start to reduce,” she said.
Mrs Egan said funds raised from Dry July would contribute to the 13 11 20 cancer information line assisting local families affected by cancer.
To sign up visit dryjuly.com
Originally published as Drinks off the menu for cancer fundraiser