Ice plunge and golf for MND

BENDIGO’S own Big Freeze is back and locals are set to take the plunge while raising money for Fight MND on Saturday, 23 September.

Local fundraiser organiser Julie Baird is preparing for the event at the Bendigo Golf Club starting from 10.30am with a golf tournament and about 20 people from different organisations, groups and sporting clubs taking part in the icy slide.

Participants so far are police officer Mark Bell, members from the Marong SES unit, Jenny’s Early Learning Centre staff, footballers from Mount Pleasant and Marong FNCs, and representatives from Gurri Wanyarra and Bendigo Health’s oncology unit.

Ms Baird said there are about 70 players registered for the golf tournament and she is encouraging the community to get behind the event.

“We’re just trying to get as many people as we can to come out, donate, buy a raffle ticket,” she said.

“We’ve got a load of wood, vouchers and prizes to be won on the day.

“No one else does a Big Freeze in Bendigo, it’s a big thing in June when Neale [Daniher] does it, but different ones are still happening now.”

Ms Baird’s vested interest in raising money to help find a cure to motor neuron disease started after two close friends both died from it.

Her husband, Bill Baird, suffers from multiple system atrophy, which she said is like MND, as well as Parkinson’s.

“This is something I’m so passionate about and I want to not only help find a cure but help people as well,” she said. “It gives us something to strive at, to look forward to.”

Tickets for the golf event are $100 and include an egg and bacon roll, drinks cards and a smorgasbord dinner. To book call Ms Baird on 0428 250 786.