The Ice Bucket Challenge is a social media-driven fundraising campaign originally created to raise awareness and funds for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Participants are filmed having a bucket of ice water poured over their heads and then challenge others to do the same within 24 hours or make a charitable donation to ALS research and care
. The challenge went viral in the summer of 2014 after being popularized by three young men with ALS-Anthony Senerchia, Pete Frates, and Pat Quinn-who inspired over 17 million people worldwide to participate. It raised approximately $115 million in six weeks, significantly accelerating ALS research, leading to new genetic discoveries and improvements in patient care
. The format involves:
- Filling a bucket with ice water
- Pouring it over oneself on video
- Challenging friends and family to participate or donate
- Sharing the video on social media with the hashtag #IceBucketChallenge
More recently, the Ice Bucket Challenge has been revived to raise awareness and funds for mental health organizations, such as Active Minds, especially during Mental Health Awareness Month. This revival has sparked some controversy within the ALS community but aims to support mental health challenges faced by ALS patients and caregivers as well
. In summary, the Ice Bucket Challenge is a viral fundraising and awareness campaign that originally targeted ALS but has expanded to support mental health causes while continuing to inspire charitable giving and public engagement.
