On Friday, August 22nd, our team took to Facebook, Twitter, G+, and Youtube with our own #ALSicebucketchallenge, and we challenged all of YOU! For everyone that ‘liked’, ‘shared’, or ‘tweeted’ our video within 24 hours, we would make a donation of $10 to ALS Research.
Thanks to you, we raised $500 to donate to ALS Canada!
The #ALSIcebucketchallenge is a simple concept that’s taking social media by storm. The idea is to raise awareness for ALS by dumping a bucket of ice water on someone’s head, filming it, and posting it to social media, and challenging others to do the same. Once challenged, people have 24 hours to comply, or they can simply forfeit by making a charitable donation to ALS Research. Most people are opting to do both!
As fun as the #ALSIcebucket challenge is, it should never be forgotten the original purpose behind it: to raise awareness of ALS, and funds for research. ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or commonly known as Lou Gherig’s Disease) is a neurodegenerative disease that has a devastating effect on those diagnosed and their families. It is characterized by the body’s failure to control muscle movement, breathing and speaking. The vast majority of those with ALS die within 3 to 5 years of respiratory failure, with only 4% of people living beyond 10 years. If you haven’t already, please make a donation to help fund research.
The OPUS Team had a terrific time – even getting some really, really, big buckets in on the action! Check out the videos, posted here. While the 24-hour challenge is over, it’s not too late to get your own started, or you can donate on our #ALSIcebucketchallenge page – here.
