Yet, over the weekend willing volunteers did exactly that – with the goal of lending a hand in the fight against Motor Neurone Disease.

The Big Bush Freeze 2 was held at Coolamon on Sunday and all the money raised is going to Fight MND, Neale Daniher’s campaign to raise funds and a cure for MND. Given the close links between the Daniher family and the Riverina, it is fitting that people in this region have answered the call to help fighting this terrible disease.

We often hear about “donation fatigue”, of communities so worn down by constant calls for assistance that pleas for aid begin to fall on deaf ears.

That’s certainly not happening here.

Tens of thousands of dollars will be raised as part of the Big Bush Freeze, as the people of this region put their hands in their pockets to help what they can see is a good cause. It is probable many of those people have already put their hands in their pockets – and will no doubt continue to do so – to also give a bit to help the fundraisers aimed at providing assistance for the state's drought-hit farmers.

Figures from the Australian Centre for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies show that Aussies donate billions of dollars and thousands of hours of voluntary work to charity organisations every year.

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We are told, again and again, that times are tough and people are tightening their belts, yet we still see how often the community will recognise a worthy cause and step up to help.

Sliding into an icy pool for water on a chilly August day may not sound appealing, but the donations raised by the Big Bush Bash, along with the community buzz it created, are worthy every cold shiver.

That the event drew a crowd of up to 500 spectators on a freezing day is indicative of just how strongly our communities support events in the name of a good cause. 

It was the second time the Big Bush Freeze was held but the sheer success of this year’s event has cemented it an annual spot going forward.

The organisations, participants and people who supported this important cause deserve to be commended.

Of course, the participants also deserved a big warm blanket after being brave enough to take that plunge.