It’s the social media challenge of the summer. The ice bucket challenge, where social media users record themselves pouring ice cold water over their heads in an effort to raise awareness and money for the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Society of Canada.
The ALS Society of Canada has already raised around $5 million in donations from ice bucket challenge participants in a span of only a few months.
Not ones to shy away from a challenge or a good cause, Vanderhoofians came out to take part in the challenge as well.
The challenge involved being nominated and nominating others to pour a bucket of ice water over ones head and/or donate $100 dollars towards ALS research.
“It’s supposed to mimic the feeling of those with ALS,” said Cathy Malo, owner of Bird on a Wire in Vanderhoof. “It’s supposed to completely numb you.”
Malo is one of the many others in the community who has taken it upon themselves to raise money and complete the chilly challenge.
“It hits close to home for me as my brother-in-law was recently diagnosed with ALS,” said Malo.
Also taking part in the challenge were Valley Country radio’s morning host Erin Sale and Tod Taylor, a probation officer with the Vanderhoof Community Corrections office.
Malo and several others took part in the challenge early last week and managed to raise $500 dollars for the ALS society which will all be donated in the name of Malo’s brother-in-law.