BENDIGO Health's Dry July ambassadors are still going strong.
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Paul DeAraugo, Adam Hardinge, Mark Boyd-Graham, Rob McGregor and Ray Wild are about half-way through the challenge, which requires participants to give up alcohol for the 31 days of July to raise money for adults living with cancer.
Money raised by Bendigo Health's Dry July ambassadors has been earmarked for the refurbishment of the Nolan Street cancer patient accommodation units.
Mr Boyd-Graham and some of his fellow Dry July participants toured the units on Tuesday.
"This is my first visit to the units so I can really envisage the outcome because I'm thrilled with what they did with last year's funds up at the Oncology Unit," Mr Boyd-Graham said.
"It's so important for visitors to the Oncology Unit to be able to have some family members stay over sometimes.
"I speak from experience because I'm still an outpatient of oncology and I know when I was having my treatment I bumped into so many people from other towns throughout Victoria who were travelling every couple of days.
"These units are vital to the families who need to stay on longer term."
This year Dry July has 40 beneficiaries across Australia and New Zealand, including Bendigo Health.
Bendigo Health registered with Dry July for the first time last year with its efforts raising more than $90,000.
Boort farmer Neil Beattie managed to raise $40,000 last year by giving up his beloved Carlton Draught, naming Bendigo Health as his beneficiary.
Mr Boyd-Graham also participated in Dry July last year.
By sponsoring participants, you also support our patients and their needs.
- Jane Anderson
"I was lucky enough to do it last year without too many problems so it's nice to be able to do Dry July again in 2014," he said.
"It's going well.
"I haven't had any problems, I'm enjoying it."
Bendigo Health Foundation director Jane Anderson said Dry July was a wonderful concept.
“By committing to being ‘dry’ for a month, not only are participants doing something good for their own health and encouraging a healthy attitude to alcohol consumption, they are helping us help care for our cancer patients,” she said.
“By sponsoring participants, you also support our patients and their needs."
Ms Anderson said Dry July was a great initiative, raising money for a great cause and giving people a chance to focus on their own health.
For more information about Dry July, visit www.dryjuly.com