Does the Ice Bucket Challenge Actually Make a Difference?

DULUTH- Another new social media challenge is taking the internet by storm.

The ALS ice challenge dares people to either dump a bucket full of ice water on their heads or they have to donate $100 dollars to the ALS association.

Those challenged have 24 hours to complete the task once having been challenged.

Many in the northland have already risen to the occasion.

Tom Hansen has taken the Ice Challenge and he says, "it's the awareness to help others and I think a lot of people in this community are in that mode of helping others whenever possible and if it's fun and easy to do, I think a lot of people will participate."

But does this trend actually help raise money, or is it just for fun?

They believe it began in mid June, but it just recently has gone viral.

The ALS Association says they think the campaign has been a huge success.

They say in the first two weeks of August, they have taken in $5.5 million dollars in donations.

That's compared to only $32 thousand at the same time last year.