By Tanya Faulkner
Being surrounded by booze and a good time sounds like a dream to some people, but for one Yarra Ranges business owner it’s almost a nightmare.
Owner of Mr Hummer Limousines in Montrose and The Acorn Bar and Restaurant in The Basin, Tony Eastwood, has taken on Dry July this year as part of an ongoing fundraiser.
He has decided to go alcohol free from 1 July to 31 July as part of his personal fundraiser for cancer research and those who have been impacted by cancer in their lives.
According to VIC Health, almost 30 people die of cancer every day across the wider Victoria region, although these rates have been on a slow decline since 1982.
Mr Eastwood first saw the idea for Dry July on television just over 6 years ago, with this year being his 6th time doing the fundraiser.
In his first year he fundraised around $1100 and has increased it every year since.
Last year was his biggest fundraiser yet, being able to donate just shy of $13,000.
This year he has set himself the ambitious goal of $15,000 for this year, and at 7 days in he has already raised $1,700 at the time of interviewing.
Mr Eastwood said being in both the hospitality industry and the transport industry, drinking is a big part of the culture.
“People know the ‘fun Tony’ because I’m usually a big drinker.
“I’ve had to be put on medication to help with the results from being a big drinker, and doing Dry July helps,” he said.
In fact, according to James Beard Award-winning media brand Punch, focused on drinks and drinking culture, Melbourne was named one of the world’s top five travel-worthy drinking destinations, highlighting how big the drinking culture is across the region.
Not only is Mr Eastwood doing Dry July, he has also got into the gym as of this month, with another goal to lose 10kgs along his journey.
“One of my other motivators to do Dry July was for my health, so I got in the gym and I’m working with a trainer to lose some weight and get healthier,” he said.
This year he has three other friends who have joined him for Dry July, all with the same goal to fundraise for the Cancer society and give back to those who have had some experiences with it.
Mr Eastwood said the fundraiser is good for those who have personal experiences with cancer.
“You always hear stories about ‘my friend just got diagnosed with cancer’ and almost everyone knows someone, so we want to do what we can to give back,” he said.
Mr Eastwood said it’s a wonderful feeling to complete the month of Dry July, and said he always gets compliments from those he knows in the community.
“People always tell me I look better, my face looks better and I’m more up-and-about in my businesses, which is a wonderful feeling,” he said.
Last week he also spoke at the Montrose Football Club in front of around 100 members about his journey so far, and some of the difficulties he has experienced.
“Men don’t like to talk about themselves, so it was a hard thing to do to address the football club and share my journey with them,” he said.
He said anyone wanting to get involved in Dry July next year should do it, and experience it for themselves.
To support Tony in his fundraising efforts go to dryjuly.com/users/anthony-eastwood
