Going teetotal for a whole month isn't everyone's cup of tea but a group of Tauranga women are taking up the annual Febfast challenge to help raise funds for youth at risk.
The third annual Drug Foundation's Febfast challenge is a nationwide health and charity event which encourages people to
give up booze during February, while raising money to support young Kiwis struggling with alcohol and other drug problems.
For the third year running, Configure Express Bethlehem gym manager Pru Wood is helping co-ordinate a group of women, gym members and staff, to participate in the challenge. So far 13 people have signed up, including gym trainer Chrissie Culpit, she said.
Ms Wood said: "Being a ladies gym most of us have kids and some of our members are also mothers and grandmothers, and this is important issue in our community."
She said the self-imposed ban may not be easy for some, but there are lots of benefits, with participants reporting sleeping better, feeling healthier and more energised.