Challenge for charity to warm any heart

Two rival footy teams in the Ongerup Football Association are joining forces for a third time for the annual Big Freeze day, and this year the plunge is even bigger.

The Boxwood Hill Football Club and the Lake Grace Pingrup Football Club, both known as the “Bombers”, have raised more than $100,000 for the Motor Neuron Disease Foundation via their first two events.

This year the two teams have gone massive, with a new 12m, three-lane slide and a goal of $50,000.

The colossal slide was salvaged from an old indoor play centre in Perth two years ago by Heathridge tradesman Luke Newton.

Mr Newton originally erected it in his backyard, sparking a stoush with his local council.

It is now being put to use for a good cause.

Boxwood BIG Freeze co-ordinator Beau Vaux said both football communities had lost beloved members to MND, and the clubs would again put the battle of the Bombers aside to help beat the disease.

“It has affected many families over a number of years,” he said. “The AFL Big Freeze and these tragic losses were the catalyst for our communities to contribute to the effort to find a cure for the terrible disease, using our normal winter sporting fixture to fundraise.

“Obviously the loss of a community member is tough for family, friends and the community.

“The strength of our small communities has shown in how we have turned these tragic losses into something positive.

“There is such a great feeling and everyone gets behind the cause and it’s probably the biggest day on our sporting calendar now.”

Similar to the AFL event, those brave enough will don a costume and plunge into a pool of ice for the cause.

The event carries on with an auction, all proceeds of which go to the foundation.

The star item at last year’s auction was a trailerload of hay, and organisers are looking for auction items.

Mr Vaux said everyone was welcome to join in at Boxwood Hill Sports Club this year.

The two clubs have agreed to take turns hosting the event in their home towns.

The BIG Freeze will take place on Saturday, June 8, after the clubs have clashed in their league football fixture.

Financial donations can be made on the Everyday Hero page by searching for Boxwood BIG Freeze.

Item donations can be made by calling Scott on 0427 472 040 or Beau on 0427 284 390.