An already icy start got even colder with Coles Seymour’s annual Ice Bucket Challenge taking place at midday on Wednesday, June 21, to raise funds for the fight against motor neurone disease (MND).
The thick morning fog and frost may have dissipated by the time the crowd gathered but spectators still made use of their MND blue beanies to protect themselves against the cold snap that had encompassed the region for most of the week.
Participants and supporters dressed in various shades of blue, the colour of the FightMND Foundation’s ‘Big Freeze’ initiative.
Currently more than 2000 Australians are living with MND, and their average life expectancy is about 27 months.
The ‘Big Freeze’ has been running for nine years with 2023 marking five years of Coles Seymour running the local event.
The first to be dunked was Coles store manager Caz Watson.
Despite the frosty conditions, Caz said she was thrilled to be there, raising funds for the charity.
“It was very cold but it was perfect. The sun is out as well as that brisk air that's still around,” Caz said.
“Coles is a massive supporter of MND so we do this every year to be a part of it.
“The amount of the community that has turned out, as well as the team, is fantastic.”
Seventeen people signed up to be dunked, with the majority being employees of Coles Seymour.
As the event progressed, onlookers made donations to be able to dunk a person of their choosing, whether that be a friend, employee or partner.
At the time of the challenge, more than $20,000 was raised, with hopes of adding to the tally throughout the afternoon.
Last year Coles Seymour raised a whopping $35,000.