One Benalla Rural City councillor is trading in a scotch on the rocks for dry ginger ale this July.
Cr Gunaratne has committed to Dry July, and will be giving up alcohol for the month to raise money for the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Trust Fund.
He said he felt it was important to support this vital organisation.
“I have learned about the link between many cancers and alcohol use, so I want to put my fundraising efforts towards an organisation that supports people living with cancer within our region” Cr Gunaratne said.
He has set his sights on raising $500 in July, and is well on track to meeting that goal.
With the help of Dr Ravindra Abeyawardana, a GP who spent many years practising in the north-east, Cr Gunaratne is more than 70 per cent of the way towards his target.
“I want to congratulate my dear friend, Cr Gunaratne, for participating in the Dry July campaign and abstaining from drinking alcohol,” Dr Abeyawardana said.
“He setting an example as a community leader in north-east Victoria.”
“As a GP, I have diagnosed many patients with cancer and helped them in every aspect of their treatment journey — including palliative care at the end of their lives.
“There is a team of professionals involved in every cancer patient’s care.
“I know every dollar raised will help make a difference in the lives of the people who need it the most.
“Alcohol abstinence has its own benefits, including better mental health and physical health, more energy, good quality sleep, saving money and improving immunity against disease are some of the key aspects people can enjoy.
“As a GP, I strongly believe that there is no safe limits of alcohol intake and total abstinence is the key to a healthy life with longevity.”
Cr Gunaratne said he has reflected on how much of a part of his life alcohol was, and what a big change he would have to experience to get through until the end of Dry July.
“I regularly drink alcohol with my friends, and this has been the way I have socialised since I started work at 18,” he said.
“My friends have been talking about how to change our social activities to support me through this month, and I really appreciate having that help.”
Want to join Cr Gunaratne and tackle Dry July this month, or to send him some support?
Email puna.gunaratne@benalla.vic.gov.au or follow his Facebook page, www.facebook.com/share/1BcRebKLyF/
If you want to donate and help Cr Gunaratne hit his target and raise funds for the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Trust Fund, visit www.dryjuly.com/users/punarji-nandaruchi