WHILE the sun beamed down on the outdoor pool at Wangaratta Sports and Aquatic Centre last Sunday afternoon, it was still a cold and icy plunge for 16 community members who braved the Big Freeze.

A mild crowd tuned in to see some familiar faces in dress-ups from animal onesies, Teletubbies, ballerinas and cricket players either tackling the inflatable obstacle course or taking a bucket full of ice-cold water.

Activities including face painting and target throwing also kept the kids entertained in between sliders and ice bucket challengers.

Like the Neale Daniher-inspired MCG event, the inaugural Big Freeze at WSAC helped raise awareness and funds for research into Motor Neurone Disease.

Some $7000 was raised for the event with the help of sponsors including Quest apartment, Wangaratta Rovers Football Netball Club, Appin Street Butchery, Butchers on Vincent, Nu Fruit and Apco.

WSAC manager Leon Newton said the centre was thrilled with the community response to the cause.

"Raising $7000 by jumping into the pool on the winter solstice is no small feat - it shows the heart, courage, and generosity of everyone involved,” he said.

FightMND was founded in 2014 by Daniher, Pat Cunningham and the late Dr Ian Davis, with the vision of a world free from MND, and their efforts sparked a movement which has united Australians in the battle against the disease.