A pact to give up the morning caffeine hit last Dry July was a step a little too far, so instead the Nerds are upping the ante by channelling more effort into their fundraising efforts.

Mr Fong, Lateral Plains chief, wants to double his $1000 efforts and the Nerds as a whole are aiming for $10,000. All money they raise in the national campaign will support wellness programs at Ballarat Regional Integrated Cancer Centre.

"But, it's a really good cause. We all know someone affected by cancer who has used these programs," Mr Fong said. "...I got to appreciate what BRICC offers and this year, with a better understanding, hopefully I can let others know more about it."

BRICC, based inside Ballarat Health Services Base Hospital, offers wellness programs for all cancer patients across the region - from Melton and Bacchus Marsh to the South Australian border. Dry July is the major fundraising campaign for BRICC'S health and well-being activities like shiatsu and massage, art therapy or financial counselling.

BRICC Wellness Centre coordinator Simone Noelker said the team was always looking to improve on its offerings for patients and their families. BRICC is exploring fundraising for bra-fittings for women post-mastectomy or with lymphoedema.

Support BRICC via the Dry July Foundation here - or the IT Nerds of Ballarat and surrounds can be found here.

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