Charity or publicity

When I see people enthusiastically posting videos online of  having successfully completed the ice bucket challenge, I wonder what the huge hue and cry is about. I personally feel that this kind of a challenge doesn't really serve the purpose of making people aware of ALS.  These kind of viral campaigns catch on like fire and everybody does it because they don't want to be the odd one out. People would rather do the ice bucket challenge than donate money for a worthy cause. I feel it is better to do the challenge and donate a bit to the cause. Every time, I open Facebook, I see people either supporting or refusing to be part of such challenges. So, can we consider the people who refuse to take on such challenges heartless?

At a time, when some countries experience water scarcity,  is it practical to waste water? Yes, it is important for people to know about ALS and other similar diseases, but definitely there should be other ways of promoting a social cause. Recently, I came across a challenge started by a woman in India. It is called the rice bucket challenge where interested individuals can enlist themselves to feed a poor family by donating a bucket of rice. As food is a basic need, I feel this challenge serves humanity as everybody gets the chance to put a smile on a hungry child's face. Now, that's something I wouldn't hesitate from contributing to as every bucket really counts.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/rice-bucket-challenge-piooner-gets-un-award/article6370306.ece