The stakes were high, and the challenge frosty. The team had already chipped in by buying and sporting the iconic ‘Big Freeze’ beanie, but they didn’t stop there.
If the team could hit $2,000 in donations, they ice bucket all five of the directors of Harcourts Rata & Co – Robert Ozzimo, Andrew DeSanto, Tony Lombardi, Alex Doucas and Daniel Taylor. Not surprisingly, the team were very motivated!
Then if they stepped up and raised $3000, Belinda Grech (Head of Finance) and Nicole Jahne (Head of Admin & Marketing) agreed to getting ‘bucketed’.
Not to be outdone, Adam Fiteni, CEO of Harcourts Victoria, threw down the gauntlet – and the towel! He promised to take the ice treatment if the team raises $4,000.
“We have now levelled up our “ice buckets” to an actual Dunking Machine,” explains Nicole Jahne.
“I am both excited and terrified!”
And in breaking news! Adrian Knowles, CEO of Harcourts Australia, has raised the stakes to a literal chill factor. He pledged fly in from the Brisbane Head Office to join the ice bath ‘fun’ if the donations hit an incredible $5,000.
This fun, frigid fundraising effort supports FightMND’s Big Freeze 11 campaign, a movement that unites Australians in the fight against motor neurone disease.
Since its launch in 2014 by Neale Daniher AO, Pat Cunningham, and the late Dr Ian Davis OAM, FightMND has raised more than $115 million, funding critical research, supporting those living with MND, and driving hope for a cure.
Adam Fiteni bravely said, “We’re always up for a challenge, but this one’s extra special. Taking a dip into icy waters is nothing compared to the daily battles faced by those with MND. If freezing for a few minutes can help fund research and find a cure, count me in.”
This momentous campaign isn’t just about the cold; it’s about warming hearts and rallying for a cause that matters.
Donors can contribute to the campaign online, and every dollar raised will go towards supporting FightMND’s incredible mission.
And the total the team raised in the end? $5,426! You know what happened next…
