Ice Bucket Challenge raises $12,000 to help sick

Raising almost $12,000 for the fight against Motor Neurone Disease (MND), it was the sixth time the hospital has hosted the event which sees participants simultaneously dump a bucket filled with ice and water on themselves.
St Joseph’s MND service coordinator Julie Labra says MND is a progressive terminal illness that causes devastating disability.
She said 47 people, including hospital staff and the family and friends of people living with MND, signed up for an icy dunking this year, compared to 21 last year.
“It’s been amazing. It was definitely our biggest both in terms of the number of ‘dunkees’ and the amount raised,” she said.
“It’s a small price to pay for our patients who suffer every minute of every day with this dreadful disease.
“We also heard from Rida Sowaid – her mother Sana was a patient with MND who died last year.
“She spoke about impacts of this devastating disease on the person and on the family.”
More used to the heat of politics, Federal MP for Blaxland, Jason Clare, was also among this year’s dunkees.
“This is a great community effort,” he said.
“Two Australians every day are diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease.
“It’s important that events like this raise awareness and funds to fight this terrible disease.”
To make a donation, visit everydayhero.com/au and search ‘St Joseph’s Hospital Ice Bucket Challenge’.