Social media is buzzing with the Ice bucket challenge also known as the ALS challenge, but what is it and what is it for? The challenge involves pouring water with ice over yourself to help promote awareness and encourage donations for research in support of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). This is a progressive neurodegenerative (loss of structure or function of the nerves) disease that affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. When you have ALS your body slowly stops being able to function. In extreme cases of the disease, patients are only able to move their eyes. While there is no cure or treatment that can reverse or stop ALS, there is approved medication that slows down the progression of the disease. The challenge has not only raised over R55 million but has brought awareness to this terrible disease.
Here are some of our favourite celebrities doing the challenge:
Poppy Ntshongwana
The Superga ambassador and 5FM DJ is one of our fittest celebrities and did her challenge in a bikini at a filling station. Who wouldn’t do it in that style with a body like that?
Katlego Maboe
The Cape Town based TV presenter did his challenge on a cold morning to show his support. The weather did not stop him adding ice to the water.
Masego “Maps” Maponyane
I think all the ladies would have loved to pour water on the hot and talented presenter, model and designer. Maps nominated Boity, Bonang and Gareth Cliff to do the challenge and donated money towards research for the disease.
Gabrielle Union
The actress did what every sister would do, cover her hair before pouring the water over herself. Gabrielle donated $10 000 for ALS and nominated more friends.
AKA
Love him or hate him, AKA is on a level of his own (pun intended). He might have screamed a little too loud but we proud he did the challenge.
Oprah
TV presenter, owner of her own network, magazine and shows, the queen of talk accepted the challenge willingly and donated money toward the awareness of the disease.
Kerry Washington
We love her acting skills, beauty trends, fashion on the red carpets and now her contribution to the ALS research foundation. Kerry was fully dressed but still squealed from the cold water.
Kevin Hart
One of the world’s funniest men also took part in the challenge. Kevin is known to us all as a comedian and actor.
Pictures: Instagram
