What started out as an experiment with cold plunging a couple of years ago has turned into a major MND fundraiser for Echuca’s Max Ogilvie.
On Sunday June 16, from 9am to noon, anyone (and Max is hoping everyone), will make their way to Tindarra Resort in Moama to participate in the fundraiser which includes an optional, but highly recommended 60-second cold plunge in the resort pool.
There will also be a special MND slide for the four special guest appearances scheduled for the fundraiser.
“I encourage people to come dressed up or decked out in blue to get into the spirit of the morning and we have a goal to raise $10,000,” Max said.
While the cold plunge is optional, Max is hoping at least 250 people will find their way into the pool.
“The whole idea of the morning, aside from raising money for MND, is for people to get out of their comfort zone to experience some discomfort,” Max said.
“The pool at Tindarra is not huge so we will have to do the plunge at intervals throughout the morning.
“There will be hot showers afterwards and towels supplied by Super Clean.”
Attendees will be treated to live music from Drew Walker, a yoga and meditation from Nelly Mitchell and with $4500 in raffle prizes up for grabs, there is something for everyone. There will also be an opportunity for some happy snaps with Lucy Rock Photography and Deliah P snaps.
Catering will be provided by the Terrace Café (registering is essential for catering purposes).
“This is the second year I have held a MND fundraiser,” Max said.
“Last year, with just two weeks notice, around 200 people came down to the Moama beach and 100 jumped into the water. We have so much more happening this year so I am hoping for a huge turnout.”
Max said the support from the community has been overwhelming and he has been inundated with donations for the raffle including a $1500 estate planning package, gym memberships, car services and a range of good including coffee vouchers among many other things while Echuca Discoveries will be helping out with the check-in process.
“I have been surprised by the donations and how generous the local business community has been — we will continue to accept raffle prizes on the day as well,” Max said.
“Last year I was super overwhelmed and nervous hosting my first event and we managed to raise $4000, so surely this year will be better.”
Personally Max said he became interested in cold plunging after reading the book The Wim Hof Method.
He then started cold plunging in the Murray once a week.
“One of my clients said to me you should do this and raise some money and even though I didn’t know anyone at the time with MND, I thought it was a really good idea,” Max said.
“Now I have had quite a few people come up to me and talk to me about their experiences of MND with family and friends.”
To help with catering Max is hoping community members will register their attendance via the Facebook page event at MND Cold Plunge or use the attached QR code to take them straight to registration.