MELBOURNE and Collingwood have joined forces with FightMND to celebrate 10 years of the Big Freeze.
Wednesday afternoon saw FightMND launch its 10th consecutive Big Freeze, celebrating the moment with a special event at the LUME.
The annual Big Freeze, which occurs as part of the King’s Birthday clash between Melbourne and Collingwood, sees the league and country throw its support behind Neale Daniher, FightMND Patron and co-founder, and all those affected by Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
MND is a devastating diagnosis and currently more than 2,000 Australians are living with it, their average life expectancy just 27 months from diagnosis.
Prior to the launch event, FightMND also revealed its 10th iteration of the famous Big Freeze beanie, with proceeds from the beanies going towards research and initiatives to find effective treatments and ultimately a cure for MND.
This year, FightMND’s message to Australians is simple: ‘Don’t say. Do’.
While we’ve been fearlessly fighting the ‘Beast’ for 10 years now, there’s more to do and actions speak louder than words. FightMND is urging Australians to keep doing, keep fighting to beat the ‘Beast’.
With a strong connection to the Daniher family, Melbourne is a proud supporter of FightMND and the Big Freeze each year, with CEO Gary Pert encouraging Dees fans to once again rally around the important cause.
“What Neale and the team at FightMND have been able to achieve in the past 10 years is remarkable. I think back to the first Big Freeze event, and where we are now is truly a testament to the enormous community that FightMND has created,” Pert said.
“The Big Freeze is not just another game. It’s an opportunity for everyone within the AFL industry to unite and continue to fight the fight, for Neale and for all affected by motor neurone disease. The iconic blue beanie is a symbol of support, as well as hope, and we feel a sense of extreme pride to wear ours every year.
“As a club, we’re incredibly proud of our ongoing connection to the Big Freeze and FightMND. Neale, Jan and the entire Daniher family will always have our love and support, and are forever part of the extended Melbourne family. Our players, coaches and staff, as well as our members and supporters, are honoured to be part of this special day.”
The King’s Birthday clash will return to the home of football on Monday 10 June at 3:20pm, with pre-game proceedings kicking off with the much-loved Zurich Walk to the ‘G.
The fan-favourite celebrity Slide will also return, an activation in which popular personalities take the icy plunge in front of fans at the ‘G. This year’s sliders are yet to be announced but will be revealed in the coming weeks.
The Big Freeze 10 beanies are now available from your local Coles, Coles Express, Bunnings or via the FightMND website.
