ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

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Hilary

Hilary

Member at Large
I received (along with the rest of the admin team at work) a nomination to participate in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. We'll be fliming tonight in my backyard.
I guess it's been growing in popularity throughout the summer and has raised millions for ALS research. I'd only just heard about it in the last couple weeks. Has anyone else participated? Is there anyone who hasn't yet seen one of these videos?
 
I'm finding it all a bit silly myself. Our interim mayor and some other local notables joined in but there must be better ways to raise funds and awareness for ALS.
 
I'm not completely sure how I feel about the whole thing. I know numerous people who participated, and enjoyed watching. I agree with both pro and anti stance articles - and disagree with parts too.
I haven't participated, and will not be dumping a large bucket of ice water on myself.
 
I've seen several of my friends on facebook do it. And I'm like you, ChemGal - I haven't participated, and I'm not going to be dumping a large bucket of ice water on myself. I would donate, but not dump.

I'm concerned because I wonder what the next charity or cause will come up with.
 
images


Save the water. Donate the money.
 
As I saw friends and family posting videos, I wondered what stance I would take. I'm not the kind of gal that gives into peer pressure or cares what other people think. But, like the article chemgal linked, I saw people getting backlash for not participating, for not following the 'rules', etc. It wasn't until I was challenged this morning that I had to make a decision -- and with a 24 hour turn-around time... not a lot of time to make that decision.
Because I was nominated with my team at work, I decided that I would participate in the spirit of team building. Because of a skin-related health issue, it was agreed that we'd do it at my house so that I could immediately shower, warm up, moisturise, and medicate. I am taking steps to make sure that I don't nominate someone who does not want to participate.
It shouldn't be a dare. There shouldn't be any shaming. The point is to educate ourselves about ALS, to donate as we are able, and to have a little fun along the way. Right?
 
Hilary said:
The point is to educate ourselves about ALS, to donate as we are able, and to have a little fun along the way. Right?
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And that pretty much covers the pro side that I agree with, along with just giving those who have it support.
 
I agree that it us a sort of odd event. Raised tons of money. But is that money that won't be donated elsewhere or new money. Until till that us known I think it is suspect

ALS is a terrible disease but not one I support financially. I have three diseases I support plus other non disease causes. I won't change due to peer pressure
 
Hilary said:
... I am taking steps to make sure that I don't nominate someone who does not want to participate.
It shouldn't be a dare. There shouldn't be any shaming. The point is to educate ourselves about ALS, to donate as we are able, and to have a little fun along the way. Right?
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Right. I like the way you've stated that Hilary. I'm of two minds about it too. It's a horrible heartbreaking disease - a lost a friend to it several years ago & have encountered some people with the diagnosis through my work also.
 
We decided to throw buckets of water at each other instead of dumping them over our own heads. We didn't get as wet as many of the videos I've seen, but we sure had fun! And we did it in our work logo'd t-shirts to advertise our non-profit at the same time.
 
i got a front row seat to the concept just recently in Ladysmith

my uncle's daughter even filmed herself while she did it

neet to see that it is a 'thing' (y) any excuse for agape
 
Great to raise awareness about ALS but there is another side.....
 

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I have given this topic a lot of thought since it started to show up on my FB page. So far I haven't been able to form a firm point of view. It is a novel way to bring this disease and the need for research money to peoples attention. Some seem to be using it as a variety of 'selfie' or a way of getting attention. Some refuse to do it saying it is a waste of water (though even some of those people declare that they ran into their house for a hot bath or shower!). Few have posted to say how much they donated, or whether they regularly donate to this, or any cause. I find it a bit sad in a way -the charity with the neatest gimmick wins, eh.

Complex thing to think through.

For me the decision is really whether I intend to donate - and the sorrowful answer is NO. My charitable donations for the rest of this year are already decided (other than the little local ones for childrens sports etc). Actually I don't know enough about how ALS funds are allocated within Canada and the only address that has been posted on my FB page was in the US. At the moment I'm not interested in Googling for that info!
 
als.ca for ALS
alzheimer.ca for Alzheimer's which is where my post-bucket donation went

And I hear you, Kay. If we made a donation for every gimmick that came along, we wouldn't be very responsible stewards of our money.
 
i agree with you, KayTheCurler;

we also shouldn't feel obligated or guilted or coerced against our will to help anyone -- it should be completely voluntary

the world is big enough and varied enough to accommodate all acts of helping out people, from the person who gives out hugs to the person who becomes a venture capitalist
 
GGecko said:
Great to raise awareness about ALS but there is another side.....
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Depends, I know people who did it in glacial fed lakes. I see the water issue as being fair minor here, unless people are using really large buckets.

I'm more concerned about some of the injuries from this, and I have heard of one death, I wouldn't be surprised if there were a few more out there.
 
KayTheCurler said:
For me the decision is really whether I intend to donate - and the sorrowful answer is NO. My charitable donations for the rest of this year are already decided (other than the little local ones for childrens sports etc). Actually I don't know enough about how ALS funds are allocated within Canada and the only address that has been posted on my FB page was in the US. At the moment I'm not interested in Googling for that info!
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Most of the ones I see are for ALS.ca, I've also seen an ALS Alberta support group, someone felt enough had been done for the organizations that help fund research and decided they wanted to donate to the provincial group, as it supports patients directly.
 
ChemGal said:
Depends, I know people who did it in glacial fed lakes.
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now that's going wayyy too far there -- time to call the Canadian Hate Crime division :whistle:

(i'm actually jealous -- i've had lots of opportunities to go for a swim in glacial fed lakes, but never got beyond my toes or foot -- i guess it wasn't just the shock of the zero Kelvin water but also the shock at feeling my toe or foot try to invert into my body...)
 
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