Residents, carers, staff and family packed into the Engelbert Hall at the Community for the Aged for its first ever Big Freeze, raising funds together for motor neurone disease research.
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Louise Ross opened the afternoon by dedicating the facility’s Big Freeze to a Community for the Aged resident, Alan Wines, who two years ago was diagnosed with MND, and had been living in the community for seven months.
“Raising funds for MND research is a good thing to do, it’s only right, but it is even more meaningful this year for us,” she said.
Mrs Ross went on to give a short, heartfelt biography of Mr Wines, mentioning his prowess, accomplishments and irrepressible mindset.
“He is a wonderfully humble man, and his resilience and attitude towards life are inspirational,” she said.
“So a big thank you to everyone for supporting this event.”
The first to take the plunge was resident Beryl Trease, who was wheeled to the centre and had paper streamers tipped on her by a carer in place of ice water.
“Always in true form, Beryl is doing it her way,” Mrs Ross said.
Kayla Forster, a carer at the community, was dressed as Belle from Beauty and the Beast and was in line to take the plunge.
“I know this means a lot to our resident with MND, Alan, and to everybody else just to get together and raise some money for such a good cause,” she said.
“It's very important because it gets them together and keeps everybody going together. It’s just a lot of fun for everybody.”
After all volunteers had done their part in the challenge, organiser and staff member Mel Kirkpatrick was put on the spot as her co-workers began donating cash for her to take the plunge.
After many laughs, shouting, and some protest from Mrs Kirkpatrick, $700 was donated, and Mrs Kirkpatrick was drenched in icy water.
“This is the first time I've done this, and the first the Big Freeze has been done at the Community for the Aged,” she said.
“We only had 11 days to plan it, and I reckon we have raised up to $4000 now.”
When asked why she decided to organise the event, Mrs Kirkpatrick said she was inspired by Neale Daniher and his tribute at the MCG.
“We just wanted to support Alan, support the MND Foundation, and just raise awareness and doing whatever we can to help,” Mrs Kirkpatrick said.