Queenstown solicitor Olivia Crisp who is taking part in
"Feb Fast", along with her Anderson Lloyd colleague Heidi
Bendikson. Photo by Tracey Roxburgh.
Two Queenstown solicitors are putting their money where
their wine glasses used to be, abstaining from alcohol this
month to help young people with drug and alcohol problems.
Olivia Crisp (28) and Heidi Bendikson (31), both of Anderson
Lloyd, joined forces late last month to participate in
"FebFast", a national fundraising effort encouraging
participants to go alcohol-free for a month while raising
money for New Zealand youth.
Ms Crisp said the idea of taking part in FebFast was first
floated at a friend's barbecue late last month.
"I thought it sounded quite interesting and I thought I
needed a break from drinking.
To combine that with raising money for a good cause, it
sounded like an ideal situation."
Ms Bendikson joined Ms Crisp in the team - appropriately
named "House Sav" - and set a $500 fundraising target, which
they have almost raised already.
Now almost halfway through the challenge, Ms Crisp said she
was so far enjoying sobriety.
"Even though Queenstown is very much a social party town, you
can still have a good time without getting boozed."
However, should participants in Feb Fast "slip up" and
accidentally drink during it, they could pay $25 to the cause
to ease their guilt.
Likewise, if a participant had an event coming up where
abstinence would be difficult, they could purchase a pass for
$35, with the proceeds going to the charity.
Funds raised through FebFast 2012 will be distributed to
organisations which reduce the impacts of alcohol and other
drug problems among young people.
Proceeds from registration and fundraising will go towards
Rainbow Youth, Evolve, CareNZ and ADHD Association.
To make a donation, visit www.febfastfundraising.co.nz/housesav.
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