The Ice Bucket Challenge is a social media-driven fundraising activity that involves participants dumping a bucket of ice water over their heads, filming it, and then nominating others to do the same within 24 hours or make a donation to charity. It originated in 2014 to raise awareness and funds for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, a progressive neurodegenerative condition affecting nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord
. The challenge was co-founded by three young men living with ALS-Anthony Senerchia, Pete Frates, and Pat Quinn-and quickly went viral, engaging millions of people worldwide, including celebrities. It raised approximately $115 million for ALS research and patient care, significantly boosting public awareness and scientific progress related to the disease
. In 2025, the Ice Bucket Challenge was revived with a new focus on mental health awareness and suicide prevention. This iteration was launched by the University of South Carolina's Mental Illness Needs Discussion (MIND) club to support the nonprofit Active Minds, which focuses on mental health for teens and young adults. The revived challenge has gained traction on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars and encouraging open discussions about mental health, though it has sparked some controversy within the ALS community for diverting attention from ALS causes
. How it works:
- Participants fill a bucket with ice and water.
- They pour it over their heads on camera.
- They post the video on social media.
- They nominate friends or family to do the same within 24 hours or donate to the cause.
- Donations are encouraged but not mandatory if the challenge is completed
The Ice Bucket Challenge remains a notable example of a viral social media campaign that combined entertainment with charitable giving to create a lasting impact on disease awareness and fundraising
