Summer pledge: Give up alcohol for month

Locals and holidaymakers in the Bay have scoffed at the idea of paying to give up alcohol for all of next month.
FebFast is a nationwide health and charity event which encourages people to give up alcohol during February, while raising money to support young people with alcohol or drug-related problems.
FebFast participants register online and make an initial $25 donation.
Friends and family then sponsor them to remain alcohol-free for all of February by making donations through their personalised fundraising page.
Participants worried about missing out on anniversaries or birthdays could purchase a "timeout" for $25, which allowed them to drink on special occasions.
When the Bay of Plenty Times spoke to people on Omanu Beach yesterday, several beachgoers laughed when asked if they'd give the scheme a go.
Kelly Kordi, Jessica Lloyd, Kath Burgin and Rachael Lile, who all work at Tauranga Hospital, said they would definitely have no trouble giving up liquor - on average they drink a bottle of wine a week during summer - but said they would not be paying to abstain.
"I would do it ... but I've got a wedding in February and I wouldn't want to pay money to have a pass," Kelly said. "You should get one free pass."
Rachael predicted the organisers of the promotion had their work cut out for them. "It seems to be a big Kiwi thing, drinking, and I don't know how many people would sign up. I think more New Zealanders would do it if it wasn't in February."
Jessica Lloyd agreed. "People are more likely to be on holiday and have a few drinks 'cause you don't have to get up at 6am for work the next day. My motivation would be a weight-loss thing, rather than needing a break."
The women said they would also be more inspired if they recognised the benefactors - all four chosen charities are based outside the Bay of Plenty.
The FebFast challenge has run successfully for three years in Australia - raising more than $1.7 million for charity - but will take place for the first time in New Zealand this year.
FebFast is being hosted by the New Zealand Drug Foundation. For more information, visit www.febfast.org.nz