Coles and communities freezing the day in the fight against MND

When winter rolls in, the blue Beanies of the Big Freeze campaign are only one symbol of what’s happening in towns and stores across Australia. Behind them are people. Everyday Australians stepping up, year after year, in small towns and on local shop floors. Coles, together with its team members, suppliers, customers and Coles Australian Pork Farmers transforms into a partner in hope. 

Since Coles first teamed up with FightMND in 2018, together with their forging of community links through farmers, suppliers and everyday Australians, they’ve raised more than $48 million dollars to support vital MND research and projects supporting Australians living with MND. But the real story is not just the funds. It’s the people, the stories and the ways local communities rally behind the cause. 

Mt Gambier: Regional Impact on a National stage 

In South Australia, Coles Mt Gambier has become a standout example of what local commitment can achieve. With a population of just over 27,000, the store has consistently punched above its weight during Big Freeze campaigns. 

In 2023, under the leadership of store manager Bec, the Mt Gambier team turned creativity and determination into real impact, ranking among the top 10 fundraising Coles stores nationally. From community events to inventive in-store activities, they brought the town together in support of the cause. 

“We’re a community-minded store and we know that there are people in Mt Gambier who have been affected by MND,” says Bec. “It’s something we really wanted to support and have done so for the last five years.” 

Sebastopol: consistency and commitment 

In Victoria, Coles Sebastopol has also made a name for itself as one of the country’s most committed Big Freeze stores. Whether through team-led fundraising challenges or engaging customers with local events, Sebastopol has ranked among the top 10 Coles fundraising stores multiple times, proving its consistency and community backing. 

Their efforts demonstrate how Coles’ national partnership works at its best. Empowering individual teams to lead locally while contributing to a larger shared impact. 

More than merchandise 

While the Beanie is an iconic symbol of the Big Freeze, Coles’ involvement extends far beyond stocking shelves. It’s about building awareness, driving fundraising creativity and giving local communities a platform to rally together. 

From regional towns like Mt Gambier to suburbs like Sebastopol, Coles teams are showing how national partnerships succeed when they are lived out locally. Together, they are not just fundraising. They are accelerating research, supporting families and sustaining hope in the fight against MND.