Michaela Meade
Northern Health staff members are celebrating a successful Dry July campaign, having raised over $31,000 and finishing in the top 10 fundraisers.
Dry July is a fundraiser that asks participants to go alcohol-free for the month of July in order to raise funds to improve the wellbeing of people affected by cancer.
Twenty-three people involved with the Northern Health Foundation – including a cancer patient and her daughter – took part in the fundraiser, finishing up seventh out of 100 with a grant total of $31,199 raised.
The Foundation said that the money will purchase a new car for the day oncology unit at Northern Hospital in Epping, meaning more people can receive chemotherapy and other treatments in their own home.
Day oncology nurse unit manager Melissa Gwynne said she was thrilled at the success of the campaign.
“Another vehicle will enable us to expand our geographical parameters to include areas such as Kilmore, Wandong, and Broadford,” she said.
Fundraising and relationships manager, and team leader, Josie Verga said all team members should be proud.
“Every team member is a winner,” she said.
“Giving up alcohol during July, and especially during lockdown, is an admirable achievement.”
The team said they would encourage other staff members to participate next year.
