Social media sites are full of celebrities and everyday people accepting the ice bucket challenge, which has spread like wildfire across the United States. Credit union employees and executives haven't been immune to being called out to participate in the viral effort.
If you aren't up to date on the newest trend, here's a bit of background: The ice bucket challenge is a fundraiser to raise money for the ALS Association, a nonprofit organization that promotes research and awareness for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, which is more commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease.
How does it work?
Once a person is called out - or challenged - to take the ice bucket challenge, he or she has 24 hours to dump a bucket of ice water over their head and post a video of the process online. If the individual doesn't complete the task within 24 hours, he or she has to donate. Of course, people are donating anyway, whether they complete the challenge or merely witness someone else being drenched with chilly water.
Sound silly?
As of Aug. 22 the ice bucket challenge has raised more than $53.5 million, according to an official statement from the ALS Association. The money has been raised by not only previous donors, but also 1.1 million new givers.
Credit unions are getting involved in the fundraiser
Carrie Brown of Beacon Federal Credit Union in Texas is one of the many associated with credit unions taking on the challenge, according to Credit Union Insight.
"I think it was a great way for us to work together for a good cause," says Brown.
Jack McAdoo, the CEO of Beacon FCU was also involved.
"For me, it is not about the ice," said McAdoo. "That just makes it fun. It is about helping others. This is a great cause, and Beacon is lucky to have employees that value helping others. After all, isn't that what credit unions are all about – people helping people? Imagine if we (all credit unions) did this. What a difference we could make."
Should you get involved?
Even if your credit union doesn't take part in the ice bucket challenge, it's a good idea to get involved in the community or a charity close to your community's collective heart. By focusing on helping people, credit unions can not only make a valuable difference in someone's life, but also expand their membership, CUES Next Top Credit Union Exec Team advised.