COUNTRY football’s version of the Big Freeze at the G returns to Campbells Creek on Sunday as the Magpies again play their part in the fight against MND.
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Campbells Creek will hold its second “MND Up The Creek” fundraiser at its home ground in which the Magpies have put the call out for country football clubs to support the cause.
Last year five clubs had nominees take the plunge into the ice-filled tank, helping Campbells Creek raise $23,000 for the fight against Motor Neurone Disease.
This Sunday’s second installment, organised by Campbells Creek events manager Steve Adamson, has 15 clubs represented and 27 confirmed jumpers – each having raised at least $500 – into the ice, including Eaglehawk, Strathfieldsaye, Calivil United, Pyramid Hill, Heathcote, Marong and Werribee Centrals, as well as long-time umpire Dean Goodridge.
The first to feel the -9 temperatures of the tank will be AFL Goldfields regional manager Rod Ward.
The fundraising will also include an auction of the only 10 remaining Big Freeze 3 beanies.
“I’ve been involved in local football for 35 years and when I saw what Neale Daniher was doing at the MCG with the Big Freeze, I thought what is country football doing to help Neale in his campaign to raise awareness and funds for MND?” Adamson said on Friday.
“In the country when the chips are down, we always come together and this is no different.
“You don’t want to wait until someone in your footy family passes away from this and think, what could I have done?
“It’s not all about winning premierships, it’s about how we interact with each other and this fundraiser on Sunday is not just our footy club, it’s about bringing a whole heap of people together to help make a difference.
“It’s the time for country footy to stand up and show that this is what we can do.
“We’re not going to raise one million dollars, but it’s going to be hard-earned money.”
Sunday’s Up The Creek 2 will feature a 2.2 metre high tank filled with 400 kilograms of ice, with only one rule for those to feel the freeze – no wetsuits.
Among those participating is Campbells Creek under-14 and under-17 player Dylan Stevens, who has raised more than $1100.
“It’s a debilitating disease that when you’re told about it there’s no hope, so it’s good to be able to try to help find a cure for it,” Dylan said.
Sunday’s event starts at 11am.
Entry is $5 for adults, while kids are free.