Junee ice bucket challenge raises $7,000 in fight against MND

JUNEE has turned an ice bucket challenge into a fundraising triumph, raising more than seven times its original target in the fight against motor neurone disease.

More than 100 people gathered outside Brew at 102 on Friday afternoon to watch nearly 20 local volunteers, including more than a dozen cafe staff members, line up for an icy soaking as part of FightMND’s DIY Big Freeze campaign.

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Chairs were arranged along the footpath outside the Broadway cafe, where members of the public paid to pour buckets of icy water over participants, drawing plenty of laughter, cheers and donations from the crowd.

Images: Supplied

The challenge took place during the first month of winter, with temperatures hovering around 13 degrees Celsius and an apparent temperature closer to 10 degrees at the time the buckets were tipped.

The crew at Brew at 102 were joined by Junee Medical Centre receptionist Kim Whitty, Junee IGA manager Shane Willis, and several other local volunteers who stepped forward in support of the cause.

Image: Supplied

Image: Supplied

Cafe owner Rachel Dolan said the community response had been overwhelming.

“What an amazing town of people we have in Junee,” she said.

“We had a goal to raise $1,000 for MND through our Ice Bucket Challenge.

“We actually raised $7,096.90.”

Images: Supplied

Image: Supplied

The final tally of $7,096.90 was more than seven times the fundraiser’s original target, highlighting the generosity of the Junee community and its willingness to get behind a worthy cause.

“What an amazing outcome,” Ms Dolan said.

“Thank you to all the fantastic humans that volunteered for the challenge and to all those who donated.”

The money raised will support research into motor neurone disease, improved care for people living with the condition and the ongoing search for a cure.