After participating as a slider in last year’s inaugural Big Freeze Newcastle event, local entrepreneur Leah Jay is heading up the 2018 Big Freeze committee as Chairperson.
Leah Jay, her team and a group of dedicated volunteers are currently putting together this year’s event, which sees local personalities sliding into a pool of ice water to raise funds and awareness for the fight against Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
The Big Freeze brings together people from every facet of the Newcastle community. This year’s lineup of sliders so far includes representatives from local schools, hospitals, businesses, fire stations, and even the Council: Newcastle’s Lord Mayor herself, Nuatali Nelmes, has signed on as an official slider after taking an impromptu dip at last year’s event.
Several local companies and organisations are also involved as event sponsors, including KOFM, Origin Energy, Newcastle City AFL Club and Raymond Terrace Bowling Club.
Leah said it’s incredible to see the local community once again supporting the fight against MND.
“As well as contributing to a great cause, the Big Freeze has the benefit of bringing the community together in a really positive way,” Leah said.
The Big Freeze team is currently seeking further corporate sponsors for the event. Several different sponsorship packages are available, from event naming rights through to in-kind media and service provider opportunities.
“This is a great chance for local businesses to get behind a worthy cause,” said Pippa Rowntree, Big Freeze Vice Chairperson and Marketing Manager at Leah Jay.
“The support we’ve received so far has been wonderful, but we’d like to encourage even more businesses to get involved and become part of a great community event.”
The fight against Motor Neurone Disease is a cause particularly close to Leah Jay’s heart after the loss of her son to MND in 2008, at the age of just nineteen. Many of this year’s Big Freeze sliders and supporters have also been personally affected by MND.
The Big Freeze Newcastle will be held on Saturday 23 June at Number 1 Sports Ground.
IMAGE | After sliding into a pool of ice at last year’s Big Freeze, Leah Jay is this year’s event Chairperson.
