According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, more than 83 per cent of Australians are drinkers, with 1.4 million drinking alcohol everyday.

FebFast asks Australians to give up alcohol during the month of February putting the balance back into people’s drinking habits after the festive season, while also raising money for organisations who treat young people with serious alcohol and drug problems.

The original fundraiser of its kind in Australia,

FebFast is in its third official year with more than 3500 participants raising $700,000 since it began.

In 2010, funds raised will go to the Australian Drug Foundation, Youth Substance Abuse Service, Mater Hospital Adolescent Drug and Alcohol Withdrawal Service, and the Ted Noffs Foundation.

Local Ted Noffs Foundation representative John Black said campaigns like this are useful in urging people to cut down their alcohol intake and help us realise the implications of our alcohol use.

Mr Black not only organises alcohol and drug education programs at our local schools but runs the Safe Party Squad, a team who patrol local beaches and party hot-spots on the Coffs Coast, making sure our local youth are safe when they drink.

“It’s clear that we need to change the culture of drinking in Australia and campaigns like this can start that change,” Mr Black said.

But because giving up drinking for a whole month may be daunting for some, in 2010 FebFast in encouraging Australians to sign up with friends or family.

FebFast CEO Fiona Healy is encouraging people to grab a friend, work mate or family member – anyone who will help you give up the grog for a month.

Register online today at www.febfast.com.au with a $25 donation.