Warm hearts for the Big Freeze

The cold and wet weather was no deterrent to enthusiastic locals who turned out in big numbers to support the Big Freeze at the San Remo Hotel on Sunday.

Hosted by Daniel Mock and his team, and helped out by former Melbourne Football captain David Neitz, over $13,000 was raised to help the fight against MND.

Local legends – on and off the football field – lined up to take the plunge into ice cold water, to raise money for this worthwhile cause.

David Neitz, former Melbourne captain and founder of Brewmanity, was on hand to help with the fundraising, and the following day he took the plunge himself at the Big Freeze 8 event at the MCG, in a Braveheart costume.

Plunge

Back at San Remo, locals taking the plunge included footballers Cam Pedersen, Taylor Gibson, Jack Taylor and Hayden Bruce.

Hotel Manager Daniel Mock got frocked up and led by example, taking the plunge in a tasteful frock and pearls, with staffers Chrissie Berdy, Mandy Lappin and Nola Monahan, as well as Peter Williams all getting into the icy water for a great cause.

Harry Anderson, Callum Chisholm and Harry O’Brien also took the plunge, while the youngest to brave the icy waters was 11-year-old Oscar Tuchtan.

Oscar smashed his $1000 fundraising target, raising $1265 for FightMND.

He said the event was “a blast”.

“Thanks all who donated for getting me there,” Oscar said.

“We were dunked into an ice bath and it was super cold. It took quite some time to feel my hands again, but it was just a little pain compared to what a person with MND experiences.”

He said he was very proud of the “terrific community support”.

Organiser Daniel Mock described the day as “amazing!”.

An auction of two signed football jumpers raised over $1000, while a raffle of a meat tray – generously donated by San Remo Butchers – added to the fundraising tally.

“Can I just thank San Remo Butchers, The Wash Shop San Remo and Print it Fast for their kind donations,” Daniel said.

“And all our staff and locals for their help and support on the day.

“And thank you to the local community for their amazing support in what was one of our busiest days for the year!”

More photos at pisra.com.au.