Our Story

The story of Dry July is close to the hearts of founders Phil Grove, Brett Macdonald and Kenny McGilvary. Each having connections and experiences with losing close family members to cancer as well as personal scares with the disease. These experiences led to the first Dry July in 2008 as a challenge amongst friends, however over 1,000 people participated in the event and $257,283 later Dry July was well and truly born.

The original idea escalated into what it is today; a non-profit organisation that has raised over $11 million. 

The concept of Dry July connects with the public as it did for its founders; it is important to the Dry July Team that people know where their raised funds are going. During the sign up process participants are able to choose the hospital they'd like their funds to be given to, so although the campaign is national the cause is local.  

The process of taking a month off booze is not an easy one. There are always going to be birthdays, weddings, parties, sporting occasions and a cheeky beverage after a tough work day or week but it comes down to self-discipline and the odd reminder that it's not just a healthy move which may change your view on alcohol consumption but it's for a good cause.

The enthusiasm and generosity shown over the years of fundraising has been truly overwhelming and have made the Dry July Team even more determined to make Dry July as successful as it can possibly be.