Puzzles, TikTok and thinking about their exes: the weird and wonderful things Australians have given up for febfast
As annual abstinence charity event febfast reaches the halfway point, an increasing number of participants have this year chosen most unusual vices to abstain from.
Febfast – which began 15 years ago as an alcohol-free month to raise money for disadvantaged youth – has diversified over the years to include an ‘other’ option.
Andrew Bruun, CEO of youth drug and alcohol support organisation YSAS, who run febfast, said febfast has always had a sense of fun and this year’s entries for most interesting vices have shown that people from all walks of life enjoy taking part.
“About five years ago, in recognition of the fact that not everyone drinks alcohol and not everyone is willing to give up that glass of wine after work, we introduced our ‘other’ category with some pretty amusing results,” Mr Bruun said.
“This is really what the spirit of febfast is about, it’s about giving it a go for a good cause. At the end of the day, if someone wants to give up hitting snooze every morning or endlessly scrolling through social media, to help raise funds for a very worthy cause, that’s great, we love to see it.”
This year, more than 5000 Aussies are fasting. The funds they raise go towards assisting severely disadvantaged young people in Victoria and South Australia to recover from serious drug, alcohol and mental health problems.
Mr Bruun added that even though it’s midway through the month, anyone can still register – it’s free – and easy. Australians are also encouraged to donate to febfast and cheer on the thousands of people taking part via: www.febfast.org.au/donate
Register here: www.febfast.org.au
About febfast
febfast is where individuals pause for a cause by giving up alcohol, sugar or another vice of their choice, to support disadvantaged youth in Australia. It is the perfect excuse to kick-start the year with a little good health and good will. Across Australia, thousands of people give up alcohol or sugar for the month of February to raise funds for young people experiencing serious disadvantage to access the resources and support they require to lead healthy and fulfilling lives. Find out more or register at www.febfast.org.au
About YSAS
The Youth Support + Advocacy Service (YSAS) is Australia’s largest, youth-specific community service organisation. Operating since 1998 as Victoria’s flagship Youth Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) service, YSAS now employs over 350 skilled staff across 19 sites in metropolitan and regional Victoria. While YSAS continues to provide effective Youth AOD services, the organisation also has extensive experience in providing young people and families with services that support improved mental health and meaningful community participation.
Media please contact: Jane Gardner, 0438 130 905 or jgardner@ysas.org.au Images and campaign creative are available for media use here.