Community
16 October, 2024
Making a splash for charity
COBDEN Primary School students and staff hosted a special celebration when the famous Daniher’s Drive team rolled into Cobden last Friday.
Daniher’s Drive, an annual regional road trip raising funds for FightMND and awareness in the battle against Motor Neurone Disease (MND), visited the school as part of its four-day trip which this year travelled through the south west.
The team of volunteers taking part in Daniher’s Drive arrived at Cobden on Friday afternoon ahead of visits to Timboon, Warrnambool and Port Campbell over the weekend.
As part of the visit, eight students and staff braved a chill to take part in an ice bucket challenge - in what was a mini-event similar to the Big Freeze event the school held in June, which had raised $956 for MND research.
The ice bucket challenge had been organised by student Charlie Dunn to coincide with the visit from the 60-plus convoy of vehicles travelling with Daniher’s Drive.
Charlie’s family has been active in raising funds for the cause after he lost his grandfather to MND.
Cobden Primary School acting principal Ilona Watkins said she was proud to see students like Charlie showcase their strength and goodhearted nature in supporting something bigger than themselves.
“Every year, for the past ten years, we do a Big Freeze event which involves running up and diving in a pool full of water and ice to raise funds for MND research,” she said.
“But with Daniher’s Drive visiting, the ice bucket challenge was a special little one organised by Charlie Dunn.
“His mum, has been part of the cause for quite a long time - she has a connection after her father passed away from MND, and has raised a lot of money for the cause over the years.
“It’s a cause with so many people impacted.”
The willingness to get involved in raising funds for MND research is not a new one for the school.
Cobden Primary School has taken part in annual fundraising efforts for the past decade, during which time students, staff and families have raised almost $12,000 for FightMND.
Mrs Watkins said all involved were excited for the visit, and there was no shortage of students and staff willing to raise their hand to have the bucket of ice poured on them as part of the celebration.
“It was a hard decision in trying to figure out who would do it,” she said.
“We had far more volunteers than seats available, and the kids asked if we could continue again next week.”
Daniher’s Drive has already raised $2 million for the cause this year, and will continue to fundraise through the month.
To learn more about the cause, visit https://fightmnd.org.au.
