Local supermarket looking to break their own record

COLES Mount Gambier continues to be a shining light in the FightMND campaign and the team at the local store is committed to again making sure they are one of the leading fundraisers nationwide.

The store topped the South Australian fundraising effort last year and was 10th nationally, with a tally of more than $165,000 raised since 2020.

Last year’s tally was $46,250 and the store has a number of initiatives in place to boost their efforts again in 2025.

Staff are organising a Music Bingo Night for early next month, will soon be launching a raffle with tickets on sale outside the store, as well as other fundraising ideas including Footy Colour Days, staff lunches and management is also set to take part in a fundraising water balloon event.

Of course the core of the FightMND campaign is the Big Freeze Beanies which are available until June 17 for $25 at any Coles supermarket and selected Liquorland, First Choice Liquor Market and Vintage Cellars stores and on Coles online with all proceeds going to FightMND.

Coles will also donate 10 cents to FightMND for every Coles fresh Aussie pork product sold in-store or online from until Junem 17.

Funds raised will help give hope and support to thousands of Australians living with MND, including FightMND co-founder and AFL legend Neale Daniher, who earlier this year was recognised for his inspiration and tireless work in the community with the Australian of the Year award.

“This year marks another crucial step in our fight against motor neurone disease. At FightMND, we’re deeply grateful for the unwavering support of Coles and their customers. Their dedication helps drive crucial research and fuels hope for those living with MND,” he said.

“Big Freeze 11 is about living it forward. Taking action now for a future free from motor neurone disease. By pulling on your Big Freeze Beanie, you’re making a real difference. And thanks to Coles, Australians everywhere can stand united in this fight, living it forward for those who can’t.”

“Live in the moment. Live it forward. Join me in the fight to beat the Beast that is MND.”

Coles, its customers and Aussie pork farmers have warmly embraced the Big Freeze over the past seven years, helping to raise more than $40 million for vital MND research and care initiatives, making Coles the largest corporate giver to FightMND.

Funds raised at Coles have already helped contribute to significant advancements in research and support for Australians affected by MND, including:

• The development of 5 drugs and 15 clinical trials, testing if a drug is safe and can slow or stop MND;

• 14 projects developing biomarkers that can accurately diagnose and predict MND; and

• $1 million to help people living with MND access assistive equipment including eye gaze machines for communicating and wheelchairs and hoists to support day-to-day activities.

Coles Chief Commercial & Sustainability Officer Anna Croft encouraged customers to get behind the cause as more funds are needed to help find a cure for the debilitating disease.

“Coles’ annual fundraising campaign for FightMND is one that our customers and team members are incredibly proud of and love getting behind each year. Over the next few weeks, many of our team members will recreate the Big Freeze in their own small ways in Coles stores across Australia, as well as support local community fundraisers for FightMND,” she said.

“We’re incredibly grateful to have the continued support of Aussie pork farmers, Australian Pork Limited and Mondelez in our fight against MND. We’d also like to thank Peters Ice Cream and Asahi Beverages who will be donating a portion of sales from selected products sold at Coles to the Big Freeze 11 campaign. Together, we can bring hope to those affected by MND and move closer to finding a cure.”

Customers can also make a donation of their choice to FightMND at the checkout in any Coles supermarket until June 17 or at any Liquorland, First Choice Liquor Market and Vintage Cellars stores until June 10.