LIKE so many others around the world, senior management at Bendigo Bank have taken up the Ice Bucket Challenge.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The challenge, which began in America earlier in the year, sees people drenched with a bucket of iced water to raise money and awareness for Lou Gehrig's disease or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
In Australia and most other parts of the world ALS is known as motor neuron disease.
The Bendigo Bank staff organised a whirlwind of donations and dunked iced water over five staff on Tuesday afternoon.
State manager Vicki Pearce, area manager for regional Victoria Tim Rodda, area sales lead Hayden McDonnell, business branch lead Robert Herbert and marketing manager Ben Gribble were all happy to take up the challenge.
"We saw it first with the AFL guys who did it for Neale Daniher," Ms Pearce said.
"We've been raising money for one of our staff members who has motor neuron disease.
"She and her husband works for us in Geelong and we want are fundraising to send them on a trip overseas."
Ms Pearce said it was really important to raise awareness for the disease.
"A number of our staff have friends or family who have been touched by motor neurone disease," she said.
We've been raising money for one of our staff members who has motor neurone disease.
- Vicki Pearce
Bendigo's weather was slightly warmer than usual for yesterday's dunking.
Ms Pearce said Mr McDonnell came in with the idea to do the Ice Bucket Challenge on Tuesday morning.
"It sprung to mind this morning when I heard Terry Daniher talking on the radio about his brother," he said.
"Families within the bank are affected by this and we thought it was a good opportunity to generate more awareness in the community." Mr McDonnell said there was no way to prepare for the challenge.
The five members were in business suits and were happy to get wet for a good cause.
"The wind is a bit chilly but you can't brace for it. You just have to do it," Mr McDonnell said.
A large crowd supported the five staff members as ice water flowed.