“I have had so much support to complete this challenge” he said.
“I am really proud to have completed the month without alcohol, but also really pleased that I have exceeded my goal.
“Through my effort, I have raised $1087 for the Albury Wodonga Cancer Centre Trust Fund, which is more than double the fundraising goal I had set myself.”
One of Cr Gunaratne’s biggest supporters was GP Tusitha Abeyawardana.
“Dr Abeyawardana talked to me about how alcohol use increases the risk of cancers of the mouth, throat, voice box, oesophagus, bowel, liver, and breast among others,” Cr Gunaratne said.
“He also raised with me that alcohol is a factor in about 65 per cent of domestic violence incidents.
“I believe that, as a community leader, it is important for me to take these conversations to our community and work to create ways for people to enjoy their lives without relying on alcohol.
“There are many community conversations to be had around the way alcohol is causing harm.
“I invite community members to discuss their experiences and ideas with me so that we can build meaningful ways to reduce alcohol consumption locally, for everyone’s benefit.”
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