It is that time of the year for the team at local charity, Our House. They are once again taking on the Dry July challenge, pledging to go alcohol-free for the month to raise funds for local cancer patients and their families.

Since 2010, Our House has proudly participated in the national Dry July campaign, becoming the first regional project to be supported by the Dry July Foundation. Each year, the team gives up alcohol for 31 days, joining thousands of Australians who are committed to making a difference for people affected by cancer.

This year, Dr Chris Ingall, Rebekka Battista, and Tanya Harris-Bateman are leading the charge on behalf of Our House, raising funds to replace the original air conditioning units in every guest room.

“Over 1,000 guests stay at Our House each year while receiving or supporting a loved one through medical treatment,” said Rebekka Battista, Director of Our House. “Many are undergoing cancer treatment, which can make them especially sensitive to changes in temperature. Replacing our aging air conditioners will dramatically improve comfort, energy efficiency, and the overall healing environment.”

The fundraising effort is part of the ‘Help Keep Our House Beautiful’ program, which ensures the facilities remain welcoming, comfortable, and well-maintained for all guests.

Funds raised from past Dry July campaigns have helped repaint rooms, replace bathroom floors, beds and sofa beds, upgrade TVs, and rejuvenate the therapy gardens.

Dry July began with a small group of friends — one of whom was undergoing cancer treatment — challenging each other to go alcohol-free for a month. Since then, the movement has inspired hundreds of thousands across the country and has raised millions of dollars to support people affected by cancer. Our House remains one of more than 80 cancer-related organisations supported through the campaign.

“We are calling on the community to get involved — go dry, donate, or share our story,” Ms Battista added. “Together, we can keep Our House beautiful and create a more comfortable environment for those going through some of life’s toughest moments.”

Join or support the Our House team: https://www.dryjuly.com/teams/our-house-7.