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It’s a new internet challenge that is going viral. We know, we know – another viral internet challenge. Don’t worry, though, because this one is raising money for motor neurone disease. (Or ALS, as it is known in the US.)
The trend was started by the friends and family of a young man named Pete Frate who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease and it has since taken over the internet with public figures like Justin Timberlake, Jimmy Fallon and Martha Stewart taking part.
Ethel Kennedy even challenged Barack Obama to take part. (He refused, but he’s going to make a charitable donation in lieu.)
Here’s how it works: you record yourself dumping a bucket of ice on yourself and then challenge three friends to do the same. If they don’t do it within 24 hours, they have to donate $100 to charity.
Since July 29th, $2.3 million from 71,000 donors has reportedly been raised for the ALS Association. That’s compared with a mere $25,000 in the same time period last year.
The trend shows no sign of abating either with New Jersey governor Chris Christie taking part in it today.
Thursday 7 November, 2024
Thursday 7 November, 2024
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Here's why Americans are dumping buckets of ice on themselves and posting videos of it
YOU MAY HAVE heard that Irish footballer Robbie Keane participated in something called “the ice bucket challenge” this week.
What is it, you ask?
It’s a new internet challenge that is going viral. We know, we know – another viral internet challenge. Don’t worry, though, because this one is raising money for motor neurone disease. (Or ALS, as it is known in the US.)
The trend was started by the friends and family of a young man named Pete Frate who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease and it has since taken over the internet with public figures like Justin Timberlake, Jimmy Fallon and Martha Stewart taking part.
Ethel Kennedy even challenged Barack Obama to take part. (He refused, but he’s going to make a charitable donation in lieu.)
Here’s how it works: you record yourself dumping a bucket of ice on yourself and then challenge three friends to do the same. If they don’t do it within 24 hours, they have to donate $100 to charity.
Since July 29th, $2.3 million from 71,000 donors has reportedly been raised for the ALS Association. That’s compared with a mere $25,000 in the same time period last year.
The trend shows no sign of abating either with New Jersey governor Chris Christie taking part in it today.
It hasn’t quite taken here or in the UK yet, but as this guy’s hashtag says…
This guy is selling his college degree for €1 >
This dog is raging that a fox is playing with his toys >
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Explainer ice bucket challenge Ice Ice Baby Viral