McCain will hand out free hot chips across Melbourne as part of The Big Warm Up, a new community campaign supporting FightMND ahead of this year’s Big Freeze.

The campaign gives locals a way to “chip in” and donate on the spot, while taking part in the build-up to Big Freeze 12 at the MCG. McCain has also teamed up with Melbourne Demons AFL captain Max Gawn, a long-time familiar face of The Big Freeze, to help draw attention to the cause.

The McCain Chip Truck will visit local football clubs in Kew, Officer and Black Rock from 31st May to 6th June. It will also stop at Federation Square on 2nd June, where Gawn will meet the community and serve hot chips.

The Big Warm Up leans into the colder lead-up to one of the AFL season’s major fundraising events, but the campaign is firmly tied to FightMND’s broader work. FightMND raises money for motor neurone disease research, treatment pathways and support services for Australians affected by MND.

McCain is also supporting the fundraiser through retail and match day donations. Between 6th May and 16th June 2026, the company will donate 10 cents from each participating McCain potato product sold at Coles to FightMND, up to $250,000. McCain will cover any shortfall.

On 8th June, $1 from every cup of McCain hot chips sold at the MCG during Big Freeze 12 will also be donated to FightMND.

Where The Big Warm Up Will Stop

The Chip Truck will appear at Kew Rovers Football Club on 31st May, Federation Square with Max Gawn on 2nd June, Officer Junior Football Club on 3rd June and Black Rock Football Club on 6th June.

Exact public times for each stop have not been supplied. McCain said further details on locations and timings will be shared through its social channels.

McCain ANZ managing director Lyn Radford said the company wanted to give people more ways to support FightMND, whether through local football clubs, match day attendance or participating McCain products at Coles.

Max Gawn said The Big Warm Up gave supporters a simple way to get involved before the main match.

“Footy is at its best when people come together for a shared goal, and The Big Warm Up is a perfect example of that spirit in action,” Gawn said.

FightMND chief executive Matt Tilley also welcomed McCain’s support.

“When you think about it, an upside-down Big Freeze beanie is the perfect tea-cosy for a bucket of hot chips!” Tilley said.

Event details:
Location: Kew Rovers Football Club, Federation Square, Officer Junior Football Club, Black Rock Football Club and the MCG
Dates: 31st May, 2nd June, 3rd June, 6th June and 8th June 2026

Free hot chips at selected Chip Truck stops. Match day donations apply to McCain hot chip sales at the MCG on 8th June.