A MOUNT Gambier man made the small sacrifice of no alcohol last month to raise over $2500 for people affected by blood cancer.
Dylan Barlow’s Dry July campaign ended last weekend with the fly in, fly out worker – who “enjoys a drink” – remaining sober throughout the 31-day period.
Splitting his time between his Mount Gambier home and Roxby Downs worksite, Mr Barlow used a raffle with prizes donated from Blue Lake city businesses to raise a bulk of the funds.
In the end it was his Roxby Downs football coach who won the first prize of a fabricated fire pit, which was donated back to Mr Barlow who has since gifted it to Kalangadoo Football Netball Club to use in its own fundraiser.
Never expecting to raise the significant funds, Mr Barlow said he was proud of his efforts.
“I am known as a bit of a drinker and really wanted to challenge myself,” Mr Barlow said.
“Everyone knows I enjoy a drink and it was a way I could change that perspective while also doing something positive for the community.”
The month was not without its temptations with Mr Barlow stating socialising with friends who were consuming alcohol proved difficult.
“When I started hanging out with my friends it became a bit of a challenge because I would see them drink and want to join in,” he said.
“But I completed the month and am very proud of myself for doing so.”
Additionally, Mr Barlow said he experienced the benefits of drinking less alcohol and felt healthier after the 31 days.
“I learnt that I can have fun around people consuming alcohol without drinking it myself but I also found that I woke up feeling healthier in the mornings, found myself drinking more water and also exercising more,” he said.
“When I first told my friends and family I was going to do Dry July there was a bit of laughter but it just motivated me to prove them wrong more than anything.”
Encouraging others to follow suit in 2021, Mr Barlow said it was a great experience at a good time of the year.
“It was good because it fell right into football season and is a great way to establish further fitness,” he said.
