Registrations have opened early for national fundraiser febfast — where Aussies ditch booze, sugar or another vice and raise funds for young people facing addiction
With the year drawing to a close and silly season in full swing, Aussie’s are being encouraged to make a commitment in advance to kick a vice to the curb next Feb – with early registrations for febfast opening this week.
febfast is in its nineteenth year raising funds Australia’s largest youth alcohol and other drug service, Youth Support + Advocacy Service (YSAS) that this year celebrates a quarter century of service and supporting over 100,000 young people and families to live healthy and fulfilling lives.
Funds raised from the febfast challenge directly support YSAS’ critical community outreach and drug and alcohol treatment programs for young people. YSAS youth workers are tireless advocates for young people in need, understanding the needs of each individual and provide access to the support and tools to get their life back on track and improve mental health outcomes, reduce substance-use related harm and unwanted involvement in the criminal justice system.
Andrew Bruun, CEO of YSAS said it’s heartening to see so many febfaster’s both new and old signing up early for next year’s challenge – especially in in the midst of the dual cost-of-living and housing crises that have only increased demand for our critical youth support programs.
“Over the years febfaster’s have funded really innovative services like our Youth Other Drugs and Alcohol Advice service which provides direct over the phone and online advice and resources to young people, parents and other professionals, like teachers, with the information and support the need for youth alcohol and other drug treatment options.”
“The best thing about febfast is the community spirit. Every year the national campaign brings together thousands of like-minded Australians who are committed to bringing in young people and helping them build a better future” Bruun said.
This year the febfast Australia team are encouraging participants to sign up early.
“It’s really great to see people return year after year, continuing to show up for some of Australia’s most vulnerable” said Alex Harrison febfast Campaign Manager.
“It’s important to have people sign up as early as possible because a month without alcohol (or any vice) can be a challenge because we’ve seen that febfaster’s who commit to the challenge in advance tend to do better – it gives them time to mentally prepare and gear up for when February rolls around.”
“This year we’re even throwing in a free febfast fast tracker magnetic fridge calendar for the first 1,000 people to sign up as a thank you, and daily reminder to celebrate the small wins and keep motivated to reaching your goal” Harrison said.
Register early for this years’ month-long febfast challenge here: www.febfast.org.au
Australians can sign up as individuals and ask friends and family to sponsor their journey to and businesses can sign up their teams to take the challenge together.
About febfast
This February, you get to choose how you’ll change young people’s lives.
Across Australia, thousands of people take on the month-long challenge 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 (Youth Support + Advocacy Service)
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 service, YSAS now employs over 370 skilled staff across 19 sites in metropolitan and regional Victoria. While the prime focus of YSAS remains on effective Youth AOD treatment and sector leadership, the organisation also has extensive experience in providing young people and families with services that support improved mental health and improve meaningful community participation.