Febfast, the annual month-long pause on booze and unhealthy snacks is back on tomorrow
Registrations for the annual abstinence febfast challenge opened late last year and ahead of tomorrow’s official start to the 28-day challenge, over 3,000 Australians have pledged to put their unhealthy habits of 2021, including binge eating and drinking, behind them and pause of a good cause.
Media please contact: David Jeffery, 0417 053 032 or djeffery@ysas.org.au – case studies and experts in Victoria are available to speak to media (people who have gained weight or drank more alcohol). Images and campaign creative are available for media use here.
Registrations for the annual abstinence febfast challenge opened late last year and ahead of tomorrow’s official start to the 28-day challenge, over 3,000 Australians have pledged to put thier unhealthy habits of 2021, including binge eating and drinking, behind them and pause of a good cause.
It’s no secret that many Australians enjoy an extra dose of sugar and alcohol over the festive period, but now that January is coming to a close, New Year’s resolutions and new habits are about to hit high gear.
Two-thirds of those taking this year’s febfast challenge have opted for a month without alcohol. This is unsurprising considering the post-lockdown spike in binge drinking recorded in an online panel of 500 Victorians commissioned by the Youth Support and Advocacy Service (YSAS) at the beginning of 2022. Roy Morgan national research confirms that alcohol consumption is climbing, with a 3.5 percent increase now meaning that almost 70 percent of all Australians drink alcohol on a regular basis.
Workplaces are banding together to tackle Australia’s binge drinking problem and fast food culture. Over 50 workplace teams from universities, law firms to construction companies to have committed to taking on the alcohol and sugar-free challenge.
“Thousands of Australians have flooded back to febfast this year, many coming returning for their second or third time taking the 28-day challenge” CEO of YSAS, Andrew Bruun said.
“It’s been fantastic to see so many new supporters stepping up to the febfast challenge too. We’ve seen a real surge in sign ups who are motivated to not only get into shape over the summer and ditch sugary snacks and alcoholic drinks, but raise critical funds for a disadvantaged young people too.
“The spirit of febfast has always been to give a little up, to give a whole lot back to the community and the disadvantaged young Australians we support. I invite anyone who is looking to support a worthy cause to surprise yourself, and sign up for a month without alcohol, sugar or another vice of your choice.”
Febfast is run by the Youth Support and Advocacy Service (YSAS) and is their only fundraiser for the year. Funds raised go towards assisting severely disadvantaged young people in Victoria and South Australia to recover from serious drug, alcohol and mental health problems, which have only been exacerbated by the pandemic.
Individuals can sign up and ask friends and family to sponsor their journey to take on healthier habits for a month and businesses can sign up their teams to take the challenge together.
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 400 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.