This year, Life Education aims to raise $1 million for its drug, alcohol and health education programs, which are delivered to 600,000 school students annually.

The preventative health programs educate and empower children and young people to make safer and healthier lifestyle choices.

Life Education CEO, David Ballhau­sen says there are plenty of reasons to give up alcohol for the month of October and fundraise for a good cause.

“Whether it’s to lose weight or to set a good example for Aussie kids, you will help raise crucial funds to support Life Education’s drug and alcohol program,” he said.

“Signing up for Ocsober and raising just $264 enables a class of remote indigenous students to access Life Education’s much needed upper primary alcohol program.

“Or you can sign up as a team and by raising over $2,283 you will provide health, alcohol and drug education to an entire small school in regional Australia.

“This is your chance to make a real difference to the lives of Aussie kids.”

Australian rock singer and political activist Angry Anderson is among the ambassadors for this year’s Ocsober campaign.

The recently-announced Nationals candidate for Cessnock is passionate about educating today’s children for a better tomorrow.

Angry received the Entertainment award at Life Education’s 2011 Gold Harold Awards, which acknowledge leading individuals or organisations that have made a significant contribution to the health and wellbeing of Australia’s young people.

As a survivor of alcohol dependency, Angry said he knows how hard it can be to abstain from alcohol, and what a great change it can make it your life when you get away from it for a while.

“Ocsober constantly reminds me, like so many things in life, of the strength of your own being,” he said.

“It’s like when I stopped swearing for a month, it just reinforces that we are in charge of our lives and it’s up to us to be in charge of decision.”

Angry said he’s been able to use willpower when it’s been necessary.

“In 1983 when my daughter was born I had just been told by a doctor that if I didn’t stop what I was doing I would be dead in the next 10 or 15 years.

“So my newborn daughter helped me find the willpower I needed to change my life. When you have a good enough reason it is easy to find it.

“I think everyone has willpower but it’s whether they choose to use Ii that makes the difference.”

It’s not too late to sign up for Ocsober – registrations will remain open throughout the month at www.ocsober.com.au.