The ALS Ice Bucket challenge has been making its way across online platforms. People dump a bucket of ice water over their head for charity. Friends challenge friends to get wet. People accepting the challenge film and post the drenching. They also make a $10 donation to ALS. In their video post, they tag three more people to drench themselves. Alternatively, a person can stay dry and just make a $100 contribution to ALS.
Kudos to ALSA.org for a finding a clever and engaging way to canvass the internet and raise money! Having lost a friend to ALS last summer, I know the disease is one of the most horrific ways to end life’s journey. The body aggressively shuts down. Money needs to be put into research to discover a cure.
As a professional fundraiser, I am slightly jealous of this ALS ploy to build visibility and funds. I wish I had thought of it. Still, I’m also irritated with humanity. Does someone have to tag you on Facebook to get you to donate money to a good cause? Does there have to be a gimmick involved to get you to care?
Everyone should have a philanthropic plan. Everyone should be ‘giving back’ or ‘paying it forward‘ or donating to a cause….regularly. If you have money for Starbucks or cable or a craft cocktail or Nike gym shoes, you have money to support others.
Of course, I want people to choose my charity, National Runaway Safeline. But it’s most important that you choose something meaningful to you! Helping youth, curing diseases, supporting theatre, neutering cats, etc. there are plenty of causes to select from. Select one or more! Don’t wait to be challenged with an ice bucket. Give and give often in dry or wet clothes.