The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge: 10th Anniversary

In the summer of 2014, the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge hit Canada the moment some of the most prominent Canadian hockey players decided to join the movement. As the viral challenge began to spread, the ALS Society of Canada (ALS Canada) immediately created a donation page to track donations and collaborate with provincial ALS Societies across Canada. In just the first two weeks, more than $5 million had been raised from over 108,000 donors. The momentum continued for another three months as corporate Canada got involved and contributed to the cause.

In total, more than $17.2 million was raised in Canada from August 6 to December 31, 2014, and an additional $10 million was secured from the Brain Canada Foundation for matched funding for research. Over $220 million was raised globally through the Ice Bucket Challenge, with the majority in the U.S. supporting the ALS Association. Per capita, though, Canadians were the most generous of anywhere in the world.

The funds were distributed amongst the provincial ALS Societies across Canada, with each organization committing to allocate at least 50% of the donations to research. $11.5 million was directed for research, plus the additional $10 million from Brain Canada.

ALS Canada committed 70% of its funds received to research sustainability and retained $1.895 million for community services in Ontario and catalyst investments for the organization that would have a long-term impact and allow for the delivery of better services to the ALS community.

To recognize the 10th anniversary of the Ice Bucket Challenge, we’re asking you to take the plunge to support the 4,000 Canadians living with ALS and their families. We’ve come so far, but we still don’t have a cure for this devastating, terminal disease. Join us to make waves in ALS research!

Tag @ALSCanada and ask three people to participate or donate to ALS Canada to support the 4,000 Canadians living with ALS and their families.