Andrew Treeby

It's July again, which means I'm doing Dry July for the fourth year in a row.

Over the past three years, together we've raised $3,513 for people affected by cancer. I honestly think that's pretty incredible and it's only happened because so many of you have backed me each year. Thank you.

I'll admit, I always feel a bit awkward asking again. I know it's often the same people who donate and I never want anyone to feel pressured or like they're being hit up every July. I'm grateful, whether you've supported me before, choose to this year or simply read this post.

Dry July for me is a chance to reset, focus on my health, improve my sleep, exercise more and manage stress better.

I also won't pretend going alcohol-free is easy for me. I quite like a good beer, glass of wine on a friday night or the occasional soju with a side of k-bbq. And I tend to socialise around live music, hospo and social events where having a drink is also part of it. So it can be a challenge, but I guess that's why I keep doing it. And it's a small sacrifice compared with what people living with cancer and their families go through.

This year, though, there's another reason.

Earlier this year we lost our mate, Gary Dooley to cancer. Gary was our long-time comedy host at Ding Dong Lounge. I first met him in 2018 when he convinced me to let him host our comedy open mic. He cared deeply about the comedy scene, about helping people and about Ding Dong Lounge. He was one of the genuinely good people you meet in life. Gary fought cancer for four years. He leaves behind his family, including two daughters—one the same age as my son. Seeing what cancer took from Gary and what it continues to take from so many families is why this cause means so much to me.

So once again, I'm going alcohol-free for July.

If you'd like to support me, I'd be incredibly grateful for a donation. Or, if you're keen to take on the challenge yourself, you're more than welcome to join our Dry July team. The more people involved, the more we can raise to help Kiwis affected by cancer.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me over the past three years. You've helped raise $3,513 whether you helped by donating, sharing my fundraiser or even just encouraged me along the way. Looking forward to seeing what we can achieve together this year!