Obama gives ice bucket challenge a miss
Print Edition
PRESIDENT Barack Obama won’t be taking part in the ice bucket challenge that is sweeping America to raise money and awareness for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS.
The challenge asks people to post videos of themselves being doused with cold water and publicly call on others to do the same within 24 hours, or donate US$100 to the ALS Association. It has raised more than US$40 million.
The disorder, also called Lou Gehrig’s disease, attacks nerve cells and can lead to complete paralysis and death. The average life expectancy is two to five years after diagnosis, according to the ALS Association.
The challenge calls on people to post videos on social media of themselves dumping a bucket of ice water on their heads — or having someone else handle the chilly chore.
Other well-known participants include former President George W. Bush, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and Ethel Kennedy.
The 86-year-old Kennedy family matriarch challenged Obama to participate after recently dousing herself at her family’s Massachusetts estate, knowing that the president would be nearby on vacation.
Obama participated financially by donating an undisclosed sum, the White House said.
“This is all about awareness. We appreciate him donating to the cause,” ALS Association spokeswoman Carrie Munk said.
Singer Justin Bieber also nominated Obama to take the challenge, which has been a boon to the advocacy group. The association said it had received US$41.8 million in donations as of Thursday, compared with US$2.1 million between July 29 and August 21 last year.
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