Coles has raised over $9.3 million this year to support the motor neurone disease (MND) awareness and research organisation, FightMND, with contributions from customers and suppliers.
This year was the tenth anniversary of the charity’s fundraising efforts, known as Big Freeze 10, with Coles having participated for seven years. In that time the company has raised nearly $40 million for FightMND, to be invested into research, treatments, and care initiatives for Australians living with MND.
Funds were raised from the sales of Big Freeze Beanies and Socks as well as popular supermarket items; such as Coles Brand Fresh Australian Pork products, Pepsi Max soft drinks and specially marked Big Freeze 10 Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolate blocks and Peters Icy Poles – with customers also giving generously at the checkout across Coles supermarkets and Coles Liquor stores.
Melbourne-based Brewmanity Beer Co partnered with Coles Liquor to launch the limited-edition Brewmanity Ice Cold Lager as part of the fundraising effort, a company co-founded by former Melbourne Football Club Captain, David Neitz, who was inspired by helping former coach, Neale Daniher, in his battle against MND.
Coles chief commercial officer, Anna Croft, said that this year showed a record amount of funds raised, with the company grateful for all the support from suppliers and customers for Big Freeze 10.
“We’re also extremely proud of our team members who embraced this Big Freeze like never before, partnering with local communities and businesses to run DIY Big Freeze events, supporting BBQs at local sports clubs and of course, conducting their own store ice bucket challenges,” she said.
“We hope the funds raised will go a long way in helping FightMND to find a cure for MND and to help support the health of the thousands of Australians who are affected by this cruel disease.”
Fundraising was particularly successful in regional communities’ Coles stores, with Victorian Kangaroo Flat raising over $58,000 in just over six weeks.
FightMND campaigns director, Bec Daniher, was particularly thankful for Coles’ efforts, emphasising that the funds raised during Big Freeze 10 will help to continue FightMND’s work.
“Ten years of the Big Freeze has helped FightMND make targeted investments into projects focused on developing new treatments and driving discoveries towards a cure,” she said.
“On behalf of my family, FightMND and everyone battling the Beast, I want to recognise and thank everyone who purchased Beanies, Socks and donated generously to the cause. Also, to our wonderful partners and supporters who back us year on year with such passion, thank you.”
