A campaign to raise money for research into the disease ALS has collected more than 100 million dollars. The so-called Ice Bucket Challenge has become a worldwide phenomenon this summer, thanks to social media.
Participants have been given a choice ― they can have a bucket of ice water poured over their heads, or they can donate money to the association. Some have chosen to do both. Former U.S. President George W. Bush and Microsoft founder Bill Gates have been among the many celebrities who've taken part.
The head of the American ALS Association says the money raised will be used to fund research, as well as support people afflicted with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease.
The campaign has not been without incident, though. Two firefighters were seriously injured when they were electrocuted by a power line while trying to pour water from a fire truck..
◆raise （資金を）集める、調達する
◆celebrity 著名人
◆afflict 苦しめる、悩ます
◆without incident 問題なく、無事に
◆electrocute 感電させる
