Do Dry July and show up for the people you love
Dry July media release: 12th May 2025
There’s nothing more sobering than cancer. Every 22 minutes, another New Zealander hears the devastating news they have cancer. In July alone, more than 2,200 Kiwis will be diagnosed. That’s why we Dry July.
Your mum, dad, sister, friend, colleague, aunty, uncle. Every New Zealander knows someone affected by cancer. This year, Dry July NZ is asking you to show up for them and go alcohol-free for 31 days this July to raise money for life-changing cancer care across New Zealand.
“The emotional and mental toll of cancer often goes unseen, despite most New Zealanders being directly or indirectly impacted,” says Dry July NZ Campaign Director Veronica Shale. “That’s why it’s important we show up, not just in words, but in action.”
Cancer support services help people navigate their life after a diagnosis. To run, these services rely on public donations.
New Zealanders are being urged to sign up now for Dry July, go alcohol-free for a month and raise funds to provide non-medical support for the people close to them who are fighting cancer.
This year’s message from Dry July is that there is nothing more powerful than showing up for others: think about your own personal connection to cancer and register for them.
What organisations Dry July benefits
Dry July raises funds for three frontline cancer charities: Look Good Feel Better, Prostate Cancer Foundation New Zealand, and PINC & STEEL Cancer Rehabilitation Foundation. These organisations provide free personal care sessions, rehabilitation classes, counselling, and community support that help people rebuild their confidence and find their footing following diagnosis.
These services are vital, often overlooked, but make the most life-changing impact. Every Dry July registration and donation help those affected by cancer. One month alcohol-free is a modest act in the face of their much greater struggle.
To help keep motivation high, this year’s campaign includes exciting prizes and incentives for participants.
“We’ve made it even more exciting to get involved,” says Shale. “There are awesome prizes up for grabs throughout the month to keep participants inspired and supported, all while making a real difference for people affected by cancer.”
People can participate in Dry July as individuals or as a workplace team and seek sponsorship. Dry July raised more than $900,000 last year, and more than 61,000 people have taken part since it launched in New Zealand in 2012, raising more than $10 million to support cancer patients, their whānau and carers.
Giving up alcohol is a small sacrifice for someone facing cancer. Act for your health, and theirs.
Dry July has been the ultimate alcohol-free challenge since 2012, raising funds for tens of thousands of New Zealanders living with cancer. Through the generous efforts of participants, more than 170 projects have been funded - providing comfort and care for those affected by cancer.
Do it for your dad, your sister, your best mate, your colleague. Do it for someone you love.
Register now to be part of Dry July 2025.