ZURICH Australia has continued its support of the fight against motor neurone disease, making a $20,000 donation to Neale Daniher’s FightMND. 

Having backed the foundation for the past three years, Melbourne’s co-principal partner will contribute the funds to the Big Freeze 6 campaign, being held this Queen’s Birthday.

CEO of Zurich Life & Investments, Justin Delaney, said it was important for Zurich, as one of Australia’s leading insurers, to again support such a deserving cause.

“June 2020 marks the third year that we have played a role in supporting the Big Freeze campaign with Neale,” he told Melbourne Media.

“As an insurer, we witness the devastating and long-term impact that motor neurone disease (MND) has on individuals and their families.

“The emotional and financial impact on those diagnosed and their loved ones around them is profound, so it’s very close to our hearts.”

The Big Freeze has taken a different format in 2020, with the postponement of the AFL season preventing plans for another fundraising event at the MCG.

Instead, Daniher challenged current players from all 18 clubs to participate as ‘sliders’, with each partaking in their own icy cold challenge. A special Channel 7 event aired on Monday afternoon.

While the alternative approach has made for a new look this year, the mission remains the same – and the community is encouraged to get behind the ongoing fight against ‘The Beast’.

“Even though we won’t be cheering on the annual antics at the MCG this year, like many, we’ll be tuning into Channel 7 to support this important cause,” Delaney said.

“We urge all Australians to buy a beanie and support this iconic campaign.

“We, too, are pleased to play a small part in supporting FightMND’s vital research and quest to find a cure for this disease.”

To get behind FightMND in 2020, you can buy a beanie on their website, Coles or Bunnings.