With the community football season fast approaching, FightMND has launched its 2026 Big Freeze campaign by providing one lucky winner the chance to slide at the MCG on the Kings Birthday.
AFL Victoria is proud to offer its continued support to FightMND, with local clubs across the state rallying together to raise funds, through DIY Big Freeze events, and sock and beanie sales every year.
To go in the running to slide at the 'G on Monday 8 June, all you need to do it register for a DIY Big Freeze. It's that simple!
To register to host your very own DIY Big Freeze and win a chance to go down the slide on King's Birthday at the MCG, head to fightmnd.org.au to find out more.
The amazing opportunity to participate on the iconic day was unveiled as a new World Record was established for the simultaneous Ice Bucket Challenge with a massive group of 979 people - primarily made up of students from 12 schools coming together, with media identities, FightMND people and many supporters - smashing the old record and putting down a new benchmark for others to challenge
After the competition announcement and then the countdown, thousands of litres of icy water drenched students and participants in a wave of exhilaration, officially set a new World Record.
The achievement was confirmed officially by Helen Taylor from the Australian Book of Records, who presented FightMND’s Jan Daniher and Pat Cunningham with a certificate acknowledging the milestone.
While the event created a memorable moment for participants, its primary purpose was to increase community awareness of MND; a disease affecting more than 2,700 Australians, as well as their families, friends and support networks. The gathering demonstrated the important role schools and young Australians can play in educating communities and supporting those impacted by the disease.
FightMND DIY Big Freeze Leader Jan Daniher said:
"How exciting is this - If you register for a DIY Big Freeze, you go into the draw to go down the Big Freeze Slide at the MCG on King's Birthday. Now, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. We're so excited and we can't wait to see who gets to go down that famous Slide."
"Seeing the community rally behind this cause gives me so much confidence for the future of this fight. Their willingness to step forward shows the power of people. When we come together, families affected by MND are reminded that they are not facing this alone.
This is exactly why DIY Big Freeze was created. To bring people together and build momentum for change. Every DIY Big Freeze, big or small, helps build hope. Each one brings us closer to better treatments, better support and a world free from MND.”
FightMND CEO Matt Tilley said:
"DIY Big Freeze means that you're bringing the magic of what happens at the 'G' to your footy club, your workplace, your netball club or your school and raising money for us. That's one part of it. But the big part is coming together and having fun and bringing some awareness around FightMND, what we do, the disease MND and what a terrible thing it does to families.
But, this year we have a little trick up our sleeve as well. One lucky duck is going to slide down the mega slide at the 'G' on King's birthday weekend. And if you want to be that lucky duck, all you have to do is register and set up your own DIY Big Freeze and you're in with a chance."