Cheers to no beers – Dry July heroes are over halfway!

Cancer Council Queensland is raising an alcohol-free glass to the thousands of Queenslanders who have spent the first half of July without a drop of booze.

Dry July takes a light-hearted approach to raising funds for a serious issue by challenging participants to give up alcohol from July 1 to 31.

Cancer Council Queensland has been named a beneficiary of Dry July in 2016, with funds raised supporting more than 26,000 Queenslanders diagnosed with cancer each year.

Cancer Council Queensland spokesperson Katie Clift cheered on Dry-July-ers for making it past the halfway mark.

“You are more than halfway through the month and already making a vital difference in the fight against cancer,” Ms Clift said.

“With your support, more than $20,500 has already been raised for Cancer Council Queensland through Dry July.

“We want to thank all Dry July-ers for their amazing fundraising efforts so far – your healthy choice is benefitting your personal wellbeing and Queenslanders living with cancer.

“Remember, at least one third of all cancers can be prevented by simple healthy lifestyle changes, including limiting alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight and a healthy diet.”

In 2016, funds raised for Cancer Council Queensland will support the charity’s Cancer Counselling Service.

The service provides counselling and support at no out-of-pocket cost to cancer patients, survivors, and their friends and family.

Last year the vital service received more than 1400 referrals for counselling and provided support to more than 1600 Queenslanders through around 3400 client and therapy sessions.

Ms Clift encouraged Queenslanders to sign-up for Dry July for the remainder of the month, or to support the cause by making a donation.

“Every drink you give up and every dollar you raise helps ease the burden of cancer in our communities, reducing stress and adding comfort to those in a time of need,” Ms Clift said.

Dry Julyers are supported by an online community of participants, ambassadors and partners providing advice, help and encouragement throughout the challenge.

Visit www.dryjuly.com to register or find out more information on past funds in action, celebrity supporters and fundraising tallies.

Cancer Council Queensland is an independent, community-based charity, the achievements of which are made possible by the generosity of Queenslanders.

For more information about Cancer Council Queensland visit www.cancerqld.org.au or call 13 11 20 for information and support.

ENDS


For more information or interviews, please contact:
Lisa Maynard,
Media Advisor,
Cancer Council Queensland
Phone: (07) 3634 5171
Mobile: 0488 015 702