The kick-off was given a week ago now: Sober October, also called 'Oc-Sober' is launched. This new challenge, in vogue among our Anglo-Saxon neighbours, proposes to distribute the money initially planned for alcohol consumption during the month of October, to charities fighting against breast cancer. As Fémina reminds us, Sober October is a little different from Dry January: "If Dry January is motivated by the detox aspect, in order to counter the excesses of a busy end of year, Sober October has a charitable ambition.". This year, Sober October is associated with the Pink Ribbon Association's Pink October, "an opportunity to highlight those who are fighting this disease, to intensify information and education, and to raise even more funds to help researchers and medical staff ».
Initiated 10 years ago in Australia, it was when it arrived in Great Britain, under the sponsorship of the Macmillan Cancer Support organisation, that the challenge became charitable. The organisation offers various ways to support the fight against cancer: donations made directly via the event's website or through the purchase of "Golden Tickets", which allow the month of sobriety to be put on break for an evening.
In one week, the association has already raised nearly £2.3 million (over €2.5 million) from 60,000 contributors.
If no association in France has taken up the concept, there is nothing keeping you from taking part and donating to a charity of your choice.
The success of challenges such as the October Sober or Dry January shows a change of habits among consumers who do not hesitate to reduce their alcohol consumption. Another sign that shows the potential for the development of alcohol-free or reduced alcohol alternatives.