This past week two teams at Vancouver Coastal Health, the Eye Bank of British Columbia and the ALS team at GF Strong Rehab Centre, took part in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.

What is the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge?

The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge has  become increasingly popular over the past several weeks. The idea is you are nominated to complete the challenge of dumping a bucket of ice water over your head within 24 hours, to make a donation to support research and care for people living with ALS and to nominate three other people to complete the challenge.

Our involvement in the challenge

The team from the Eye Bank of British Columbia wasn’t directly challenged but still thought it would be great to get involved and challenge other eye organizations across Canada.

“Raising awareness about ALS is the biggest thing,” said Shannon Leonard, donor development coordinator at the Eye Bank of BC. “The more people that know about it the more people are inclined to look into it and support the cause.”

Everyone from the Eye Bank who participated in the challenge donated to the ALS Centre.

The ALS Society of British Columbia (ALSBC) challenged the team at the ALS Centre.

“We did it to challenge other people to become aware of ALS and its’ impact on individuals and their families.” said Kathleen Beggs, dietitian at GF Strong Rehab Centre.

The funds raised as a result of the completion of the challenge were donated to ALSBC.

Want to make a donation?

You don’t have to take part in the challenge to help a great cause. You can make a donation to ALS BC or to the ALS Centre at GF Strong.

Want to watch the challenge?

Check out the teams below taking part in the Ice Bucket Challenge!