It’s been canceled twice due to COVID-19, but this year Maples Early Learning in Mernda is ready to host their MND Big Freeze event on Saturday, July 16.
The learning centre’s owner, Samantha MacDonald lost her mother to MND two years ago, driving an ongoing campaign to support the cause.
In preparation for Saturday, the children have been making t-shirts and selling beanies.
Maples Early Learning director Hayley George said they wanted to rally behind the cause and do their part.
“Last year, around the big freeze time, we thought let’s do a big fundraiser and try and raise $10,000,” Ms George said.
“We had a big day planned, like we did for this year, but COVID canceled it twice on us so we couldn’t go through with it, we still managed to raise our target.
“But then this year, now that we can do it, we’re back and we’re aiming to raise $20,000. Double what we did last year.”
The event will entail a variety of market stalls, a children’s entertainer- Andy’s Antics, FightMND will also be present on the day, as well as a dunk tank where educators will brave the Melbourne cold for the cause.
Food trucks, face painting, hair braiding, and an array of children’s activities are also planned for the day.
An Australian record is scheduled for 12 noon, for the most people pouring water over their heads.
This will be taking place at the Mernda Football Club at Waterview Reserve from 11am-2pm.
The centre is continuing its awareness support with the hashtag #inmemoryofnanawendy and hopes to make it an ongoing yearly event.
Details: hub.fightmnd.org.au/diy-big-freeze-8/maples-early-learning.
