May 7, 2025 -- Big Freeze Beanies are making a return to Coles this month to help raise important funds for FightMND, Australia’s pre-eminent charity dedicated to finding a cure for Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
From today until Tuesday 17 June, shoppers can show their support for FightMND by purchasing a limited-edition Big Freeze 11 Beanie for $25 at any Coles supermarket and selected Liquorland, First Choice Liquor Market and Vintage Cellars stores and on Coles online with all proceeds going to FightMND. Coles will also donate 10 cents to FightMND for every Coles fresh Aussie pork product sold in-store or online from Wednesday 7 May to Tuesday 17 June.
Funds raised will help give hope and support to thousands of Australians living with MND, including FightMND co-founder and AFL legend Neale Daniher, who earlier this year was recognised for his inspiration and tireless work in the community with the Australian of the Year award.
“This year marks another crucial step in our fight against motor neurone disease. At FightMND, we’re deeply grateful for the unwavering support of Coles and their customers. Their dedication helps drive crucial research and fuels hope for those living with MND,” he said.
“Big Freeze 11 is about living it forward. Taking action now for a future free from motor neurone disease. By pulling on your Big Freeze Beanie, you’re making a real difference. And thanks to Coles, Australians everywhere can stand united in this fight, living it forward for those who can’t.”
“Live in the moment. Live it forward. Join me in the fight to beat the Beast that is MND.”
Coles, its customers and Aussie pork farmers have warmly embraced the Big Freeze over the past seven years, helping to raise more than $40 million for vital MND research and care initiatives, making Coles the largest corporate giver to FightMND.
In brief
Coles is bringing back FightMND’s Big Freeze Beanies as part of a fundraising campaign running through June 17. The company says the $25 beanies will be sold at Coles supermarkets, selected liquor stores and online, with proceeds going to FightMND. Coles will also donate 10 cents for each Coles fresh Australian pork product sold during the campaign period. Other merchandise, including children’s beanies, socks and caps, will be available at selected stores, with sales proceeds supporting the charity. Coles says its fundraising efforts with customers and Australian pork farmers have raised more than $40 million over seven years. The release also cites research and support initiatives funded through previous fundraising, including drug development, clinical trials and equipment access for people living with motor neurone disease.
Key takeaways
- Big Freeze 11 Beanies will sell for $25 at Coles and selected liquor stores, as well as online.
- Coles will contribute 10 cents to FightMND for each Coles fresh Australian pork product sold during the campaign.
- The campaign runs from May 7 through June 17; checkout donations will be accepted at participating stores.
- Coles says its fundraising with customers and pork farmers has raised more than $40 million over seven years.
Funds raised at Coles have already helped contribute to significant advancements in research and support for Australians affected by MND, including:
- The development of 5 drugs and 15 clinical trials, testing if a drug is safe and can slow or stop MND;
- 14 projects developing biomarkers that can accurately diagnose and predict MND; and
- $1 million to help people living with MND access assistive equipment including eye gaze machines for communicating and wheelchairs and hoists to support day-to-day activities.
Coles Chief Commercial & Sustainability Officer Anna Croft encouraged customers to get behind the cause as more funds are needed to help find a cure for the debilitating disease.
“Coles’ annual fundraising campaign for FightMND is one that our customers and team members are incredibly proud of and love getting behind each year. Over the next few weeks, many of our team members will recreate the Big Freeze in their own small ways in Coles stores across Australia, as well as support local community fundraisers for FightMND,” she said.
“We’re incredibly grateful to have the continued support of Aussie pork farmers, Australian Pork Limited and Mondelez in our fight against MND. We’d also like to thank Peters Ice Cream and Asahi Beverages who will be donating a portion of sales from selected products sold at Coles to the Big Freeze 11 campaign. Together, we can bring hope to those affected by MND and move closer to finding a cure.”
Kids-sized Big Freeze 11 Beanies, Big Freeze Socks and Big Freeze caps will also be available in selected Coles supermarkets, with 100% of merchandise sales going to FightMND. A full list of participating products and stores is available at www.coles.com.au/community
Customers can also make a donation of their choice to FightMND at the checkout in any Coles supermarket from Wednesday 7 May to Tuesday 17 June or at any Liquorland, First Choice Liquor Market and Vintage Cellars stores from Wednesday, 14 May to Tuesday 10 June.
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At a glance
- Company
- Coles
- Location
- Australia
Key figures
- Big Freeze 11 Beanie price
- $25
- Coles donation per fresh Australian pork product sold
- 10 cents
- Raised for FightMND over seven years
- more than $40 million
- Drugs developed, according to the release
- 5
- Clinical trials, according to the release
- 15
- Assistive equipment funding
- $1 million
People
- Neale DaniherFightMND co-founder
- Anna CroftColes Chief Commercial & Sustainability Officer
Products and programs
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