International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations

Ice Bucket Challenge

Ten years ago, a few young men in the northeastern United States started a global social media phenomenon that raised hope, awareness, and buckets of money to invest in research, care, and advocacy for people living with ALS/MND around the world.

Pete Frates, Patrick Quinn, and Anthony Senerchia, Jr., inspired the world, demonstrating that even fundraising for a fatal disease could still be fun. While they are no longer with us, their legacy lives on. 

The Ice Bucket Challenge led to new treatments being approved, new genes being discovered, new assistive technology being developed, and new global research collaborations. 

Celebrating a Decade of Impact

On the 10th anniversary of the Ice Bucket Challenge, we’re asking each member association to commemorate this milestone. Let’s leverage our collective strength to keep the momentum going. 

Here are a few ways we can make a significant impact together:

  • Help each other: Help us raise awareness about ALS/MND and the Challenge by sharing the videos our network of members post on social media. We have also created an Ice Bucket Challenge landing page to share information and resources with you.
  • Participate in the Ice Bucket Challenge: This summer, dump a bucket of ice water over your head on behalf of your association and encourage the people in your community to do the same, sharing your videos and the Ice Bucket Challenge on social media with the hashtags: #ALSIceBucketChallenge, #MND IceBucketChallenge, #EveryAugustUntilACure, #ALSMNDWithoutBorders
  • Collaborate with influencers: Identify influencers or prominent figures within your community who can champion the cause. Their involvement can significantly enhance the reach and impact of our collective efforts.
  • Encourage fundraising: Encourage your community to not only take part in the Ice Bucket Challenge but also contribute to fundraising efforts. Every contribution, big or small, brings us one step closer to a future without this devastating disease.

Alliance Member Video 

We’re thrilled to announce the release of our special member video compilation, which was released on June 21 to celebrate this year’s Global ALS/MND Awareness Day. As this is the 10th anniversary year of the Ice Bucket Challenge, this video showcases members participating in the challenge around the world to spread HOPE to every corner!

Resources

We have created a series of Ice Bucket Challenge logos and social media graphics that can be adapted for use worldwide. Please feel free to share, edit, and download these images for use in your country. These logos are available in several colours and styles, and with the words ALS or MND depending on your region. There are also editable files of the logos that can be adapted for other languages or with your association’s logo.

We also held member meetings on February 27 and May 2 to discuss the International Alliance’s Ice Bucket Challenge campaign. In case you missed them:

  • February 27 Meeting: Watch the recording & see the PPT presentation
  • May 2 Meeting: Watch the recording
  • One of the things that came up from members was that they do not want to be seen as wasting water. There were a number of ideas suggested including glitter, confetti, origami paper ice cubes and flowers. In these sample contribution videos, we’re showing you what we are looking for in your submissions using dandelions, which are plentiful in Ontario, Canada, at this time of the year.

Resources mentioned in the member meeting:

Together, We Can Make Waves

Let’s use this milestone anniversary to reaffirm our commitment to a world free from ALS/MND and honour the spirit of resilience and collaboration that defines the Alliance. Together, we can bring hope to individuals and families affected by ALS/MND.