The most recent internet trend is something that some might already be familiar with. The Ice Bucket Challenge from 2014 has resurfaced and it’s taking over all platforms. This is one trend you’re not going to want to miss out on, because it’s also for a good cause!
The Ice Bucket Challenge is encouraging people to post a video on their Instagram stories of them pouring a bucket of ice cold water on their heads, while standing outside. As you can imagine, whether you’ve done the trend or not, it’s definitely freezing! After doing the challenge themselves, participants also tag people in their story as a way to nominate them and keep the challenge going, until everyone is involved.
So, who’s behind the trend?
This famous challenge was first created to spread awareness about ALS. ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects the motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord; ALS is also a horrific and deadly disease.
While the original ALS challenge was created years ago, this new version of the challenge has recently come back due to a student at USC (University of South Carolina) sadly taking his own life. Now, USC has brought back their own version of the challenge in honor of the student, and also in order to spread awareness about mental health.
While the challenge is being spread across the internet, it’s also encouraging people to donate money through USC to help raise money for mental health awareness.
Your impact on others
USC’s Mental Illness Needs Discussion Club brought this idea back after the tragic incident occurred for an important reason. They brought this trend back to spread more awareness about mental health and the impact you can have on people. Just one small act of kindness can turn someone’s day around.
It’s not just about dumping cold water on you, it’s about how it brings people together and fundraising money for people in need. This builds a community where everyone feels accepted and included. You never know what someone is going through, so before you speak; be kind, be gracious, and love others as you would want to be loved.
Here are some resources if you’d like to further connect with USC and even make a donation!
- https://support.activeminds.org/fundraiser/6221101
- https://sites.google.com/view/carolinamind/home?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAadC0EskNuAtJ0_VHnHkXA8QSpLdDBYvV_rNLgSTaAafss98Io1bkkuxqbMEOg_aem_NvNvrx9QGPvI7_8tKD1aww
- https://www.instagram.com/uscmind/
Now, go spread kindness and take on the ice bucket challenge yourself. Don’t forget to use #SpeakYourMind!
