Hundreds of people are giving up alcohol and other guilty pleasures across Melbourne’s western and northern suburbs as part of the annual Dry July campaign. A team of Northern Health staff members are among those participating in the campaign towards works to create a new garden for the Northern Hospital Epping’s palliative care unit, as Matthew Sims discovers.
A total of 698 participants across western and northern Melbourne have raised a total of $85,958.14 for Dry July at the time of publication.
Across the country, 28,106 people have registered for Dry July and have so far raised $4,316,208 towards support for people affected by cancer.
The funds would contribute to a number of support elements for those affected by cancer, including information and support services, specialist cancer nurses, wellness programs, cancer centre improvements, accommodation and transport and comfort and support items.
The organisations which benefit from the campaign include Cancer Council, Bowel Cancer Australia, Leukaemia Foundation, McGrath Foundation, Ovarian Cancer Australia and Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.
Northern Health Foundation public affairs acting executive director Pina Di Donato said she has been reflecting on the struggles of people affected by cancer and their loved ones during the first part of the challenge.
“Their stories inspire me to make this small sacrifice and to do my part in making a difference to someone, somewhere,” she said.
“This experience also makes me grateful for my own health and reminds me that I need to take care of it, knowing full well that it can change at any moment.
“I hope I can be a role model to others, inspiring them to take part, either by joining a team or making a donation.”
Ms Di Donato said it was a small sacrifice for her to give up alcohol to help those affected by cancer.
“Most of us have been touched in some way by someone’s cancer story,” she said.
“If I can make even a small contribution to those who are going through the cancer journey, then I feel like I have done something meaningful.”
Associate Professor of addiction studies at Monash University and Turning Point head of research and workforce development, Victoria Manning, said people who abstained from drinking alcohol, even for a brief period, experienced health improvements.
“There is evidence it improves blood pressure and improves sleep,” she said.
Associate Professor Manning said those participating in Dry July should take the time to think about how taking a break from alcohol feels and what role alcohol currently plays in their lives.
“This is a brilliant time to really learn about yourself,” she said.
“It’s an opportunity to reflect.
“It’s about rediscovering other sources of pleasure outside alcohol.”
Associate Professor Manning said her research and other research has shown that the decision to drink is often beyond our conscious control.
“A lot of the behaviour we have actually at a lot of subconscious levels,” she said.
“We’re bombarded by alcohol cues.
“It’s so fast and rapid.
“We’re responding to them at an automatic level.”
Associate Professor Manning said one of the many tips she has given to Dry July participants was for them to tell as many people as you can that you are taking part and to think differently about the meaning behind receiving requests or demands from their friends and family to drink.
“It says more about their drinking problems,” she said.
The Northern Health Dry July team has raised $7144 so far towards funding for the construction of a new garden for the Northern Hospital Epping’s palliative care unit.
Northern Health fundraising and relationship manager Konstantina Halastanis said Northern Health is grateful for the support from staff and the broader community.
“We continue to be amazed by the enthusiasm staff and the community have shown towards the Dry July campaigns,” she said.
“Your efforts have helped make the cancer journey a little easier for some.
“Our gratitude is also extended to everyone who is sponsoring the Northern Health team this year.”
Northern Health hosted a Dry July barbecue on Wednesday, July 8, which saw volunteers and community members support the cause.
Ms Halastanis said the event received a “fabulous” amount of support.
“I am inspired every day by the selflessness of our volunteers and staff – you are the power that drives our mission,” she said.
“We are all making a difference in the fight against cancer.
“Thank you to everyone for supporting Dry July and giving that little bit extra.”
Northern Health support services quality co-ordinator Sarah Rexhepi said she was keen to work within the team to raise money for the new garden space.
“I am looking forward to being part of a team that has the same goals as I do,” she said.
“We all want to make a positive difference to those touched by cancer.”
Dry July spokesperson Ashleigh Oliver said the campaign had raised about $73 million across the past 15 years, including $13 million last year.
“This year, we aim to raise just as much or even more,” she said.
To support Northern Health’s Dry July campaign towards the construction of a new garden for the Northern Hospital Epping’s palliative care unit, visit www.dryjuly.com/teams/northern-health.
Details: www.dryjuly.com
