The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge is a wonderfully goofy and effective public awareness initiative that involves people dumping buckets of ice water on their heads to raise awareness for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as motor neuron disease or simply, ALS.
A growing number of famous personalities including Justin Timberlake, Jimmy Fallon and Ethel Kennedy have taken to filming themselves dumping ice water on their heads, before challenging others to do the same using the hashtag #IceBucketChallenge.
Most recently, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg carried out the chilling task after being challenged to do so by New Jersey governor Chris Christie. Zuckerberg since passed on the challenge to Bill Gates. Challenged individuals are then given 24 hours to either complete the challenge, donate to the ALS Foundation, or both.
The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge is proving to be more than just a fun gimmick, with donations to the ALS Association up by 1000%.
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Social Media Awareness Challenges
- The success of the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge creates opportunities for other awareness campaigns using social media.
- Celebrity Endorsement for Causes
- The involvement of popular figures like Justin Timberlake in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge sparks new possibilities for charitable collaborations.
- Gimmicky Fundraising Strategies
- The success of the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge suggests that unconventional and lighthearted fundraising methods could be effective in garnering donations.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Non-profit Organizations
- Non-profit organizations can gain increased exposure and funding through social media awareness campaigns.
- Celebrity Marketing
- Celebrities can leverage their influence to promote charitable causes and encourage involvement.
- Fundraising Consulting
- There may be a need for consultants who specialize in creative fundraising strategies, such as the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.
