20 June 2015

NO DRYJULY FOR ME

I won’t be doing Dry July this year for several reasons.

Previously when I signed up, I endured prolonged attacks from many in the hospitality industry who truly believe this initiative is damaging to their livelihood. Winemakers craft their product with care and devotion, a ton of good people in the industry are passionate about one of life’s greatest pleasures in moderation, and there are so many people employed in the hospitality industry whose livelihood would be threatened by a massive drop in sales. Lots of these people are my friends and although I am at the very least a strong person and can take criticism, I do not want to be in the position where I am contributing to their demise. That’s hard to argue with.

Secondly, there are now other campaigns like this including JunkFreeJune etc. Even if these well intentioned campaigns have copied Dry July, giving up something every month or so is become a little tedious.

Thirdly, I am not impressed with the “beat up alcohol” messages that the folk behind Dry July regularly send to my inbox. Many of us who enjoy a glass or two of wine and beer on a regular basis without overindulging cannot relate to the constant messages and images of a campaign predicated on the idea that our lives are going to be better without a drink. We are civilised drinkers, we do not behave like this. Dry July is mounting an expensive and extensive campaign and I am no longer convinced of the motives.

Finally, the original thing that drew me to signing up to Dry July was the appeal of a notice in the foyer of Auckland Hospital where it was stated that Dry July was a fundraiser for extra equipment for cancer patients within the health system. My mother was in hospital at the time and I thought, “I can do this! I can give something up for a good cause.” But the fundraising aspect has been lost as the continual preaching about weight loss, hangover free Sundays and much more seen to be the drivers for Dry July, not the more appealing original philanthropic approach.

So I'm not participating. Sorry Dry July!