THIS year’s Big Freeze 9 event will be a little warmer, with Australian Wool Innovation teaming up with FightMND to offer 100 per cent Australian Merino wool scarves for sale to raise funds for the charity.
Sales will help fund research into finding effective treatments and ultimately a cure for motor neurone disease.
The FightMND charity was founded by Neale Daniher, the famous the AFL footballer with a wool-growing family background from Ungarie in NSW.
He and brothers Terry, Anthony and Chris all played together for Essendon Football Club.
Neale Daniher had a stellar career spanning 305 games combined as a player and coach.
In 2013, he was diagnosed with MND.
Being the intense, passionate and uncompromising coach that Neale was may have been the best possible warm-up for the biggest fight of his life.
MND is one of the cruellest of all diseases, taking away the ability to walk, talk, swallow and ultimately breathe.
The disease wasn’t widely discussed until Neale chose to fight. He rallied the troops and co-founded the FightMND charity, which to date has committed $69.3 million for research and clinical trials – a giant effort from a giant of a man.
It’s therefore a touching tribute Australian wool has been used to manufacture Big Freeze scarves, with all proceeds going to FightMND.
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the wool industry’s contribution to help us create our first-ever Big Freeze 9 scarf,” FightMND chief executive Dr Fiona McIntosh said.
“The scarf is a wonderful addition to the Big Freeze campaign.
“FightMND’s slogan is ‘It Takes People’. It takes people such as Australian wool farmers to help ensure no one has to suffer from this cruel disease. Thank you for being all-in with us for Big Freeze 9.”
Australian Wool Innovation chief executive John Roberts said this was an important and extremely well-regarded charity to support.
“Woolgrowers told us they wanted to help fundraise for FightMND and AWI is proud to play a small role in making this great fundraising initiative happen,” he said.
The limited edition 100 per cent Australian Merino wool scarf – made in Australia – retails at $70, with all proceeds going to FightMND, and they are available for purchase at www.fightmnd.org.au.
