Tanilba Bay's love for the Big Freeze continues as Coles Tanilba Bay finished as the highest fundraising store in New South Wales and among the top 12 stores nationally for the Big Freeze 10 campaign, raising more than $42,000 in just over six weeks for this year's campaign.
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Thanks to the generosity and efforts of the community and team members, the store has now raised more than $61,000 for the charity since 2020 - this year breaking all its previous records.
Funds raised in Tanilba Bay helped bring Coles' tally for Big Freeze 10 to more than $9.3 million which will be invested in MND (motor neurone disease) research and treatments, as well as care initiatives for Australians living with MND.
It was a huge effort as last year, Coles Tanilba Bay raised $5700 for FightMND's Big Freeze 9 campaign and over the past four years the store has raised more than $18,000 for the cause.
On Sunday, May 26, 21 brave locals, including Coles team members from stores across the region as well as people from local businesses, slid into a freezing pool of ice at Henderson Park.
The Big Freeze ice slide has become synonymous with FightMND's fundraising efforts at the annual AFL football match between Melbourne and Collingwood.
The Big Freeze highlights the brave decade-long fight by former Melbourne coach Neale Daniher against motor neurone disease with Big Freeze beannies sold across Australia to help raise millions of dollars.
"It was incredible to see the support from the local community for our DIY Big Freeze event. The event was a huge success," Coles Tanilba Bay store manager Millisa Marsh said.
"Coles Tanilba Bay team members Gail Badger, Candice Matalone, Natalie Mansfield and local community member Keith Jones all did an incredible job ensuring the day went smoothly and we were able to surpass our fundraising target of $20,000."
Coles Chief Commercial Officer Anna Croft thanked customers, suppliers and team members for their record-breaking support.
"Coles is delighted to have raised a record amount for FightMND in their milestone year. We're incredibly grateful to all our customers, Aussie pork farmers and suppliers like Cadbury, Peters Ice Cream and Asahi Beverages for their generosity and support for Big Freeze 10," 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."
FightMND Campaigns Director Bec Daniher said Coles' fundraising efforts helped FightMND to reach a final tally of over $20.1 million in its Big Freeze 10 campaign.
"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. The funds raised during Big Freeze 10 will help continue this work," she said.
"On behalf of my family, FightMND and everyone battling the Beast, I want to recognise and thank everyone who purchased Beanies and 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."
Michael Hartshorn
Since starting in 1985 at the then Melbourne Herald, journalism has taken me around Australia from Victoria, to the Northern Territory, Cairns in Queensland and now Port Stephens. After all those years there is still something special about informing and connecting with readers.
Since starting in 1985 at the then Melbourne Herald, journalism has taken me around Australia from Victoria, to the Northern Territory, Cairns in Queensland and now Port Stephens. After all those years there is still something special about informing and connecting with readers.
