Social media and buckets full of ice water are making a huge difference in the fight against ALS, which is commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
Hundreds of people are stepping up to take the challenge in our region including hockey players like Minnesota Wild draft pick and Orangeville native Zack Mitchell and members of York Regional Police.
Today Clearview Fire Chief Colin Shewell took on the challenge and had a big bucket of ice water dumped over his head. The department also raised more than $500 for ALS Canada. After taking the plunge, the chief issued the ice bucket challenge to his colleagues across the county.
“I’d like to challenge all of our fire chiefs in Simcoe County to step up to the plate, do the challenge or donate to a well deserving cause,” said Shewell.
While the attention the challenge is getting on social media is impressive, so too is the attention ALS Canada is getting through the campaign.
“It’s changed history for the ALS community, we’ve never seen this kind of support before” said Sarah McGuire with ALS Canada. “The awareness that it’s raised, the knowledge now starting among the general public, it’s absolutely huge.”
There is no cure for ALS – the deadly neuro-degenerative disease.
Across the country more than $300, 00 has been donated. Money raised through the ice bucket challenge is helping pay for the research to find a cure.
To learn more about ALS and the Ice Bucket Challenge click here
