On 1 April 2023, in an event run by the Wauchope Blues Junior Rugby League football club, the club and community attempted and succeeded, in breaking the ice bucket challenge world record. And raised over $10,000 for MND Research.
The power of community
The event was to raise awareness and to show support for committee member, coach, and former Vice-President of the club Tim Eggert, after he was diagnosed with MND. It was the second time in as many years that the club and community has been rocked with an MND diagnosis.
The current Ice Bucket record was 430 people, and on that sunny Saturday, the community showed up in droves, bringing their own buckets, and forming an impressive line on the field, dousing themselves one by one with icy water. A staggering 497 people showed up for the challenge – and a new (unofficial) world record was made!
The event got the attention of the local media, and was featured on tv news, radio stations and the local papers. Local businesses donated ice, food and services.
“It was such a special, fun day for our community and we were able to raise awareness and much needed funds for MND,” said Bonnie Marchant from the Wauchope Blues JRL.
Macquarie University, NSW 2109
497 people douse themselves with icy water at Lank Bain Sporting Field in Wauchope.