Febfast, the annual month-long pause on booze and unhealthy snacks is back on for the month of February.
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 for 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 done and dusted, 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 people 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.
Now workplaces are banding together to tackle Australia’s binge drinking problem and fast food culture. In 2022 Over fifty workplace teams from universities, law firms to construction companies have already committed to taking on the alcohol and sugar-free challenge.
YSAS
Febfast is organised by The Youth Support + Advocacy Service (YSAS), Australia’s largest, youth-specific community service organisation, which has extensive experience in providing young people and families with services that support improved mental health and meaningful community participation.
Funds raised go towards assisting severely disadvantaged young people to recover from serious drug, alcohol and mental health problems, all of which have been exacerbated by the pandemic.
‘Thousands of Australians have flooded back to febfast this year, many coming returning for their second or third time taking the 28-day challenge’ said Andrew Bruun, CEO of YSAS.
‘It’s been fantastic to see so many new supporters stepping up to the febfast challenge too,’ he said.
‘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 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,’ said Mr Brrun.
How to register
Individuals can sign up and ask friends and family to sponsor their journey to take on healthier habits for a month. Businesses can sign up their teams to take the challenge together.
