Living Life to the Max

MelSy ~ | Making | Ecstatic | Lollipops | Satisfy | You |

My Two Cents. Tuesday, August 26, 2014

The ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) Ice Bucket Challenge has clearly gained a lot of social media attention. Every day I open my Facebook account to at least 3 new posts of friends completing the Ice Bucket Challenge. It is true that this seems to be a very effective way of gaining the public's attention regarding the condition known as ALS. And on that note, I am very happy that more and more people have come to realise how terrifying ALS can be to those affected by it. The Ice Bucket Challenge had certainly successfully promoted public awareness of the condition. 


But that only applies to those who actually bother to know what and why they are doing the challenge for. No, I am not saying that everyone out there have no clue what they're doing, I know some do and truly understand the cause for which they are participating for. But of course, some don't. 

If you're nominated, you complete the challenge. But that's as far as it gets for a lot of people. The reason for this challenge is to encourage donations to the charity itself. And why shouldn't you? After all, you've participated in the Challenge to promote awareness of ALS and not for just "fun" purposes, so why should you not donate to the charity? 

From my point of view, I think it defeats the purpose of the challenge if one simply just pours a freezing bucket of water and ice over the head and stop there. If you truly want to make a difference, then take the next step further and donate. Giving the excuse of not having enough money unlike the rich and famous who have been donating hundreds, thousands and even millions is not a good enough excuse to shy away from the responsibility that is yours if you accept the challenge. Donate what you can. That is all that is expected. Noone expects an average Joe to donate every penny under his name to the cause. Similiarly, noone expects an average Joe to fly a rocket up to the moon. Do what is within your limitations, and similarly donate what is within your own financial limitations. Help the cause - help fund and pave the way to future successes in MND researches :)