Zurich Insurance has continued its support of Neale Daniher and his fight against ‘The Beast’, donating an incredible $25,000 to FightMND.
It marks the fifth-consecutive year Melbourne’s Co-Principal Partner has backed the foundation, donating over $100,000 in that time.
This year’s contribution comes after Zurich combined forces with the Gus & Gawny podcast, funding the release of a limited-edition t-shirt, with 100% of proceeds going towards the important cause.
The ‘Friends of the Podcast’ t-shirts – a nod to Max Gawn and Angus Brayshaw’s weekly segment – were a hit with Dees fans; the exclusive batch selling out in its entirety.
Linda Griffin, Head of Brand, Marketing and Corporate Affairs at Zurich Australia and New Zealand, said the collaboration was a great way to further Zurich’s support.
“Joining forces with the Gus & Gawny podcast has allowed us to increase our donation to $25,000 - what an incredible example of two partners working together to make a bigger impact as a team,” Griffin said.
With Big Freeze 8 just around the corner, Gawn and Brayshaw were on hand on Wednesday to present the cheque to FightMND’s Bec Daniher, on behalf of Zurich.
The sizable donation will continue the great progress made in search for a cure.
‘As a life insurer, we see the devastating impact that motor neurone disease has on individuals and families,” Justin Delaney, CEO of Zurich Australia and New Zealand, said.
“We’re pleased to be playing a small part in raising funds to find a cure for this debilitating disease.”
The Big Freeze will return to its traditional glory in 2022, as fans are welcomed back to the MCG on Queen’s Birthday after an interrupted two years.
‘Sliders’ will hit the ice ahead of Melbourne and Collingwood’s dedicated match and embrace the message to ‘Beanie On, Play On’.
This year’s edition will also see the return of the Zurich Walk to the ‘G, with a sea of red & blue flags and Fight MND beanies to walk down Daniher’s Way, which was unveiled in 2021, for the very first time.
The event will start at Federation Square before marching down the now iconic walkway.
“We encourage all Melbourne supporters to join us at the annual ‘Zurich Walk to the ‘G’ ahead of the Queen’s Birthday match, so we can walk together in support of Neale and the fight against MND,” Griffin said.
As per previous years, big names of the sporting and entertainment industries have slowly but surely been revealed as ‘sliders’, nominated by Daniher to brave the ice.
Club games record-holder and former captain David Neitz is among those preparing for the icy conditions, with more to be announced in the coming days.
To get behind FightMND in 2022, buy a beanie online, or in-store at Coles or Bunnings, or donate.
Melbourne members are also reminded this year’s match is a replacement game, meaning they will have access to gain a general admission ticket to the much-anticipated clash.
