Coles, in collaboration with its customers, pork farmers, and suppliers, has raised a record $9.3 million for FightMND through the Big Freeze 10 campaign.

Over the past seven years, Coles has raised nearly $40 million for FightMND. These funds will be channelled towards research, treatments, and care initiatives for Australians living with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

Seven of the top 10 fundraising stores were from regional areas, with Coles Kangaroo Flat in Victoria raising the most, over $58,000 in just over six weeks. Funds were raised through the sales of Big Freeze Beanies and Socks, Coles Brand Fresh Australian Pork products, Pepsi Max soft drinks, specially marked Big Freeze 10 Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolate blocks and Peters Icy Poles, and donations at the checkout across Coles supermarkets and Coles Liquor stores.

The FightMND Big Freeze 10 campaign reached a final tally of over $20.1 million. The funds raised during Big Freeze 10 will be used for projects focused on developing new treatments and driving discoveries towards a cure for MND.

"We’re incredibly grateful to all our customers, Aussie pork farmers and suppliers like Cadbury, Peters Ice Cream and Asahi Beverages for their generosity and support for Big Freeze 10," Coles Chief Commercial Officer, Anna Croft, said. "We’re also extremely proud of our team members who embraced this Big Freeze like never before, partnering with local communities and businesses to run DIY Big Freeze events, supporting BBQs at local sports clubs and of course, conducting their own store ice bucket challenges. We hope the funds raised will go a long way in helping FightMND to find a cure for MND and to help support the health of the thousands of Australians who are affected by this cruel disease."

FightMND Campaigns Director, Bec Daniher, said 10 years of the Big Freeze has helped FightMND make targeted investments into projects focused on developing new treatments and driving discoveries towards a cure.

"The funds raised during Big Freeze 10 will help continue this work. This year we set out to Freeze the Nation. With State Freeze events in Western Australia, South Australia and Queensland in addition to the Big Freeze at the ‘G on the King’s Birthday weekend. Not to mention the hundreds of DIY Freeze events around the country, including those held at various Coles stores," he said.

"On behalf of my family, FightMND and everyone battling the Beast, I want to recognise and thank everyone who purchased Beanies, Socks and donated generously to the cause. Also, to our wonderful partners and supporters who back us year on year with such passion, thank you."