The 2014 ice bucket challenge, intended to raise awareness about Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), has made its return 11 years later, with videos of people dumping ice water on themselves having taken over Instagram.
In the summer of 2014, the global challenge sparked after three men with ALS, a progressive neurodegenerative disease that weakens muscles through nerve cell damage, dumped water on themselves. Their campaign raised $115 million for ALS research and care.
Now, the challenge is purposed to raise awareness about mental health and suicide prevention. Held by the University of South Carolina Mental Illness Needs Discussion (MIND) Club, the challenge has garnered global attention.
To participate in the #SpeakYourMIND challenge, you do the ice bucket challenge, and then you nominate a few friends to join within 24 hours, creating a rapid chain reaction. The challenge has spread across the United States, international countries, and popular celebrities.
The initiative has become a major success, raising over $280,000 for the mental health organization, Active Minds.