WARRNAMBOOL and the south-west, get your buckets and ice-cold water ready — you’ve been challenged.
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The ice bucket challenge has been whipping social media into a frenzy for weeks and now it’s coming to Warrnambool’s main beach on a grand scale.
The challenge, which originated in the United States, has people dumping a bucket of ice-cold water over their heads in an attempt to raise money and awareness for motor neurone disease.
After talking about the challenge on air earlier this week, Coast FM breakfast hosts Matthew Monk, Lauren Temuskos and Matty Stewart decided to not only take on the challenge, but to involve the whole community in what they hope will be the world’s biggest ice bucket event.
On Sunday morning they want to see a line of people stretching along Lady Bay beach — then at 10am the water will start being dumped, domino-style.
Stewart said it was an idea “that grew legs” and will hopefully turn into a spectacle that will spread across the internet.
“We’d seen it on Facebook and Twitter and thought how can we get involved and showcase our beautiful town and the wonderful community spirit we have,” he said.
“It would be great to see people lined up right along Lady Bay, but the main thing is they all bring some money to donate, because that’s what this is all about.
“We’re going to film the whole thing so hopefully it will spread and encourage other towns to do the same thing.”
Yesterday, Warrnambool mayor Michael Neoh, still dressed in a suit from a day of official mayoral duties, got a taste of what to expect on Sunday, taking a drenching from the radio trio.
Letting out an audible gasp as the cold water cascaded over his head, Cr Neoh said he would be less formally attired on Sunday for his second attempt at the challenge.
“We will use any means possible to get as many people on the beach on Sunday morning. But most importantly we want everyone to bring a donation with them,” he said.
“The challenge is a bit of a novelty, but the aim is to raise money for motor neurone disease awareness.”
Those wanting to take part on Sunday are asked to meet near the Harbour Pavilion at 9.30am and bring their own bucket.