There’s no better way to start a fresh, new year than by making positive lifestyle changes. If you're thinking about New Year's resolutions, the Dry Feb challenge – a fundraising campaign in support of the Canadian Cancer Society – challenges you to go alcohol-free during the month of February to improve your health while making a difference in the lives of Canadians affected by cancer. Keep reading to find out how going dry can benefit you!
You'll raise vital funds for groundbreaking cancer research and a nationwide support system to help change the future of cancer in Canada
Your decision to go alcohol-free will kick-start your healthy lifestyle and support people living with cancer across Canada. Signing up for Dry Feb gives you the incredibly rewarding experience of fundraising for the Canadian Cancer Society to support trailblazing cancer research and compassionate support services like our toll-free Cancer Information Helpline.
You could re-evaluate your relationship with alcohol
The truth is unsettling, but it’s a fact: drinking any type of alcohol, whether it's beer, wine or spirits, can increase your risk of at least 9 different types of cancer. But the good news is, the less alcohol you drink, the lower your cancer risk will be.
Dry Feb provides a great opportunity for participants to re-evaluate their relationship with alcohol while raising funds to save and improve lives.
Find fun things to do instead of drinking
Dry Feb gives you an opportunity to replace drinking with other fun activities – like creating your own tasty mocktail recipe or putting the focus on quality time with family. If you’re used to relaxing with a glass of wine after a busy day, try going for a walk, practicing yoga, reading a book or taking a bath instead.
Going dry can have other health benefits
Reducing your alcohol intake can lead to both mental and physical health benefits. Each year participants taking part in Dry Feb report back with amazing results like sleeping better, increased energy levels, a clearer head, a healthier body weight and a general sense of well-being.
You'll challenge yourself in a whole new way - and you don't have to do it alone
The Dry Feb challenge gives you a great opportunity to set new goals for yourself during this new year. If your friends, family, and colleagues are thinking about their own New Year’s resolutions, you can create a team, which allows you to join forces to raise more money together.
You'll save money
Alcoholic beverages can be expensive, so the cost of a few drinks can quickly add up. Go without alcohol for one month and you might be surprised at how much money you could save!
You can purchase a Golden Ticket for yourself or another participant to take a night off for a special occasion
A Golden Ticket gives a Dry Feb participant a night off from their challenge. For a minimum cost of $25, your night off will still make a difference to the lives of people affected by cancer.
You missed going dry in January
Some people choose to go dry in January, but if you missed it, you still have time to participate in the Dry Feb challenge. There are various ways to prepare both your mind and body for your alcohol-free month. You might choose to slow down your regular alcohol consumption, remove alcohol from your home, or plan your drink substitutions and shopping lists.
Learn about more ways to prepare for your Dry Feb.
You could win amazing prizes!
When you fundraise for Dry Feb, you have the opportunity to win some incredible prizes for each fundraising level you hit. Simply get your first donation to get the ball rolling, and you never know – you could be a lucky winner! Check out the prize details on the Dry Feb website.
If you’re ready to set goals for the new year, we encourage you to get involved this February and go dry with the Dry Feb challenge. Giving up alcohol for one month can help change your life – and the lives of those affected by cancer.
Help us make a difference. Go dry this Feb and feel the benefits.
*As of 2025, Dry Feb will be known as Go Dry. Go Dry is not offered in the province of Quebec.