FebFast challenge is taken up

2 February 2012

FebFast challenge is taken up

About 600 people have taken up the FebFast challenge, and people are continuing to sign up every day.

The Drug Foundation fundraiser began yesterday (1 February) and goes for the whole month of February. It involves people giving up alcohol for a month and raising money through online sponsorship for four youth drug and alcohol charities.

FebFast Coordinator Catherine Milburn says registrations got off to a slow start, similar to last year, but are now picking up pace.

“This is what happened last year,” she says.

“People had FebFast on their radar but it took them until the first of February to swing into action to get themselves signed up. That’s fine – we’re happy for people join us online or make donations right through February and into March.”

She says people are signing up from one end of the country to the other.

“A lot of people take part as individuals but there are also loads of teams participating as well. Sometimes people find it easier and more fun to take part with a group of work colleagues or sports mates, or a few people from their church, etc.”

Catherine Milburn says that for many people, FebFast is a personal challenge to check that they’re in control of their own drinking. Some just like the idea of having a month-long break as part of a post-January detox, while others are motivated by a wish to lend a helping hand.

“Whatever your reason for taking part in FebFast, we’re delighted you’re fundraising to support the work done by these very worthwhile charities. We’re 1 day down, just 28 to go!”

FebFast recipient organisations this year are:

• Evolve, a free service for young people in Wellington
• The ADHD Association, which also provides substance abuse support
• Rainbow Youth in Auckland
• CareNZ in Waikato, which provides addiction services.

ENDS