Beanies a best-seller in Port as locals support fight against MND

PORTARLINGTON was a sea of cornflower blue at the weekend, with some of the town’s local businesses almost sold out of the latest Fight MND beanies.

The Fight MND (Motor Neurone Disease) beanies are on sale in the lead-up to the 7th annual Big Freeze at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Monday, June 14.

Portarlington residents and visitors can get theirs from a number of local businesses, and at Portarlington Demons Football Netball Club.

Fight MND Foundation ambassador Geoff Fary, of Portarlington, said as well as proceeds from locally purchased beanies going to the Fight MND Foundation, they also counted towards the fundraising target set for “Team Monica Hayes” in this year’s Daniher’s Drive.

Daniher’s Drive is one of the major awareness and fundraising initiatives undertaken by the Foundation.
“Team Monica Hayes” has participated in the last four annual events in memory of Portarlington identity Monica Hayes who succumbed to the disease.

Geoff, along with his son Sam, registered for their first Daniher’s Drive before his wife Monica passed away in August 2016.
“It was Monica’s wish that a cure for MND be found,” Geoff said.

“She was delighted in the knowledge that the event was raising awareness of the condition and much-needed funds for medical research.

“Through our ongoing involvement we are keeping her spirit alive – and we draw comfort and support from the companionship of those who have, or are currently, traveling a similar path to us
with Motor Neurone Disease.”

Geoff said since inception, Team Monica Hayes had raised more than $80k (including beanie sales), and that he hoped to pass the $100k grand total this year.

He also said by partnering with FightMND, Coles and Bunnings were demonstrating responsible corporate citizenship.
“Their involvement brings the message to a much wider audience and, by facilitating initiatives such as the sale of our beanies to their customers, increases the catchment for financial contributions.”

Geoff said MND was a particularly cruel disease.

“It robs people of their mobility, speech and – in some cases – even the ability to swallow,” he said.

“There is no cure or effective treatment.

“Each day often brings with it only the knowledge that the next will be a little worse. All the while their intellect remains intact as they watch themselves slowly die.

“It is imperative that we do all we can to identify more effective treatment – and ultimately a cure.”

To find out where you can buy a beanie locally, email Geoff on [email protected].