Since its establishment over 10 years ago, FightMND has tirelessly raised awareness of Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and funds for vital research into treatments and ultimately a cure. 

MND is the name given to a group of diseases in which the nerve cells controlling the muscles that enable people to move around, speak, swallow and breathe fail to work normally and eventually die. With no nerves to activate them, the muscles gradually weaken and waste. Currently, there are more than 2,000 Australians living with MND, with an average life expectancy of just 27 months from diagnosis. 

There is no known cure, nor effective treatments for the disease.

Bunnings has been a major partner of FightMND since 2019, raising approximately $8 million. Dr Fiona McIntosh, CEO of FightMND, said partnerships with Bunnings and others are essential to raising much-needed funds for ongoing research. 

“Since FightMND began in 2014, we have invested over $85 million into vital MND research, and we are accelerating progress towards a treatment or cure for MND. Although we’ve fearlessly fought the Beast that is MND for 10 years, there’s more to do. We couldn't do it without the unwavering support of our community and partners, whose generosity and dedication enable us to make a real difference for people impacted by MND." 

To mark 10 years of the Big Freeze campaign in 2024, Bunnings once again sold FightMND’s iconic blue beanies at all Australian stores in May and June, raising and contributing a record-breaking $1,625,000 towards the campaign. 

This year, Bunnings produced a limited-edition white Bunnings X Big Freeze 10 bucket, which was sold for $10, with all profits going to FightMND and raising over $130,000 in additional funding. 

In a nationwide effort to raise funds for Big Freeze 10, Bunnings hosted a sausage sizzle at all stores across Australia on Saturday 25 May. Together with the generous support of the community, more than $610,000 was raised to further support the 10th year of the Big Freeze.

Dr Fiona McIntosh, CEO of FightMND, said, “Investing in research continues to be our best weapon against the Beast, but it’s expensive and takes time. MND is relentless, but so are our partners. The incredible support Bunnings has shown Big Freeze is helping to fund cutting-edge MND research within Australia and globally to fast-track discoveries of potential new treatments and ultimately find a cure."