By Jamie Salter
More than 600 people contributed to raising almost $20,000 to fight motor neurone disease (MND) at the Garfield Hotel’s Big Freeze event.
The first of its kind event for the Hotel had 15 people brave the ice slide for a worthy cause.
Garfield Hotel owner Brad Alden-Brown thanked the people of Garfield and Bunyip for their support.
“It was extremely busy but a great atmosphere with plenty of families,“ he said.
“We didn’t expect that many people – it was beyond what we thought we could do.
“It was pouring rain outside but nobody moved.“
Inspired by Australian football player David Neitz, who came to speak to the Hotel’s pub group about the Big Freeze held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Mr Brown took it one step further by deciding to get an ice slide to raise funds.
“MND has affected a person that is close to me who is like a father figure, and it’s just a terrible disease to watch people go through,“ Mr Brown said.
Live music was performed on the night by James Franklin of Berwick and face painting was available for the children.
Local businesses donated $20 to $50 vouchers to be won in a raffle with a top prize of $500 in community vouchers, followed by a second prize of $300 and a third prize of $200.
Mr Brown said the entire community would benefit from the raffle.
“There’s $50 vouchers from local cafes and restaurants that will encourage people to explore the area,“ he said.
“I want to thank the community for supporting such a great cause, it was just so well received.“
Earnings from the sale of $2 of Big Freeze cocktails along with 10 per cent of every parmigiana were also donated to the cause.
The Garfield Hotel Big Freeze event was held on Sunday 12 June.
