Ice Bucket Challenge

It’s the newest trend: pouring a bucket of freezing cold water over your head and getting pelted with ice cubes on the way down. That’s it, right? Actually, no: that is not it. This fad is really supposed to be a way to raise money for a cure to ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. In many videos so far, the victim (for lack of a better word) picks three people of his or her choice who must do the challenge in 24 hours or donate $100 to the ALS Association. However, the correct videos state that the nominees have 24 hours to complete the challenge and donate $100 to the cause. Thanks to those who have done the challenge correctly, as of August 25, the ALS Association has received almost $80 million in donations. Celebrities, such as Will Smith, Tom Cruise, Oprah Winfrey, and even George W. Bush have been iced and donated! President Obama was also nominated, but decided to solely donate instead of getting wet.

Though the Ice Bucket Challenge has become a popular social media trend almost overnight, it calls to mind the Christian call to “give of your time, your treasure, and your talent.” Service in any way is helpful, whether you volunteer your time, make a donation, or use your talents to help others. The Ice Bucket Challenge is fun way to give and serve. Given the creativity and social media savvy of young adults, there are endless ways for them to give to the causes they care about.

Share these articles with young adults and talk about the meaning of giving and supporting a cause that is meaningful to them:

  • First, say a prayer for those who suffer from ALS and their families and caregivers.
  • Have you participated in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge? Why or why not? What are some other examples of creative ways to donate to charity?
  • How has God called you to share your time, talents, and treasure in your parish or wider community? What do these opportunities to give and serve mean to you and your faith?
  • Make a list of the causes you care about and come up with some creative ways to help them.