Big Freeze 8 beanies on sale at Coles, Coles Express and Bunnings stores, nationwide and online at fightmnd.org.au.

Neale Daniher AO is calling on people in every corner of Australia to Beanie On, Play On as part of the launch of FightMND’s annual fundraiser, the Big Freeze 8, today.

FightMND Patron and co-founder Neale Daniher, who himself is fighting Motor Neurone Disease (MND), made the request as part of the unveiling of this year’s new Big Freeze beanie design on Wednesday.

Now in its eighth year, the annual Big Freeze campaign sets out to raise awareness as well as vital funds to find effective treatments and a cure for MND.

As MND takes away Neale’s ability to be the voice of the campaign, this year serves as an emotive and timely call to arms for all Australians to help lead the fight against this Beast of a disease.

“As the beast takes away my ability to be the voice of this fight, this year, more than ever, I’m calling on everyone to come together, play on and help lead the fight against MND – with actions, not words,” Neale Daniher said.

“MND is relentless but so are we. By proudly wearing a Big Freeze Beanie, you’re joining an unstoppable army, united in their determination to fight back and marching as one towards a cure.

Together I know we can defeat this Beast. It’s time to Beanie On, Play On.”

All funds raised through the sale of Big Freeze 8 beanies as well as 10 cents from every Coles Brand Australian Pork product and 20 cents from every Coles Free Range Pork product sold until 21 June will be invested in cutting-edge research projects focused driving discoveries towards a cure for MND.

The six-week campaign will culminate with a celebration on the Queen’s Birthday public holiday (13 June) at the annual Big Freeze match between the Collingwood Football Club and Melbourne Football Club at the MCG.

The celebration will include the much-loved celebrity slide, the return of the March to the G’ for the first time since 2019 and a yet-to-be-announced global musical act.