Off the booze to help charity

Photo / APN

Hung-over from hard-out New Year's Eve partying? Your aching body may benefit from a fundraising booze break.

The Drug Foundation's "FebFast" campaign is encouraging drinkers to shun the bottle for the month of February.

Online sponsorship from friends and family, plus a $25 entry donation from each FebFaster following online registration, will go to four charities that are battling drug and alcohol problems among young people.

They are an Odyssey House programme in Auckland, a Waipuna scheme in Christchurch, He Taumata Toa - Growing Champions in Wellington and Mirror Services in Dunedin.

"FebFast isn't anti-alcohol, or about giving up drinking for good," said the co-ordinator, Catherine Milburn.

"But it is a way people can challenge themselves or just focus on improving their lifestyle.

"Many will enjoy the opportunity to put the indulgences of Christmas and New Year behind them, and give their body a break while raising money to help others."

A $25 timeout option allows fasters to have a drink on their birthday or special events during the month.