More in the credit union industry have opted to take an icy plunge for a good cause.

Across the country, credit union organizations have joined the national ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, pouring a bucket of ice water over their heads to raise money for charities that support victims of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. ALS attacks nerve cells, ultimately leading to paralysis. The videos of friends, family, celebrities and co-workers has not only been a success in terms of awareness but donations as well.

According to the ALS Association, within just a month $100.9 million in donations were received. An analysis of ALS donation related debit card transactions by CO-OP Financial Services and data analytics software provider Saylent found that members increased their ALS merchant-related transaction volume by 426% and ALS merchant-related transaction spending by 384%.

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In addition, the average ALS donor age has been skewing younger at 38, compared to 45 during the same period last year. 

Here is how the Ice Bucket Challenge works. Participants post videos of themselves getting soaked on Facebook, Instagram, Google+ or Twitter and nominate three others to do the same within 24 hours and make a donation of $10 per person or $100 total. Those challenged can opt out of taking the icy bath and simply make a donation of $100. Funds raised not only help further research for a cure but also go toward providing care for those living with the disease. 

Take a moment to see how the latest organizations and credit unions have responded to the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge:

 

 ALS #IceBucketChallenge: World Council from World Council of Credit Unions on Vimeo.

Brian Branch, president/CEO  of World Council of Credit Unions accepted the Ice Bucket Challenge issued by Bruce Foulke, president/CEO of American Heritage Federal Credit Union. Foulke has been busy nominating many in the industry including his own staff.

Branch in turn nominated Pat Jury, CEO of Iowa Credit Union League and Barry Jolette, CEO of San Mateo Credit Union. 

 @Fileneresearch #ALSicebucketchallenge from Andrea Nilsen on Vimeo.

Filene Research Institute also met the challenge issued by University of Wisconsin Credit Union President/CEO Paul Kundert, National Credit Union Foundation's Gigi Hyland and First Financial FCU. Filene nominated its own Mollie Bell, Wisconsin Credit Union League CEO Brett Thompson and Forum Credit Union CEO Doug True.

 

 

Over at CUNA, Interim CEO Bill Hampel took one for the team and called out a few others to participate as well.

 

 
 
The Credit Union Association of New York has also stepped up for ALS.
 
 

Gigi Hyland, executive director at the National Credit Union Foundation accepted the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge from Bill Cheney, president/CEO of SchoolsFirst FCU, and the Wisconsin Credit Union League. Hyland then nominated Suncoast FCU CEO Tom Dorety, CO-OP Financial Services CEO Stan Hollen and Filene Research Institute CEO Mark Meyer to also take the plunge.

 

 

Ent FCU in Colorado Springs answered the call from Air Academy FCU and CU Times' own challenge to Trailblazer Award recipients. Not only did participants donate but Ent gave an additional $2,000 to ALS as well.

 

 
 
Vantage Credit Union got a bit creative with its Ice Bucket Challenge. The $740 million credit union was called out by Bank on MOre and Anheuser Busch Employees Credit Union.
 
 
With many teammates and members who have been affected by ALS, Cleveland-based Firefighters Community CU was happy to participate and donate to the cause. 
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