United for a Cure

[VANCOUVER, MAY 14, 2024] – With tremendous support from Canada's seven National Hockey League (NHL) teams, individuals and several communities, the ALS Super Fund has achieved a significant milestone: surpassing its first $1 million in donations through Charitable Impact’s Cause Fund program. This achievement marks a significant contribution to the fight against ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), leveraging the enthusiasm of sports fans to foster social change.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is one of the most devastating diseases affecting humanity. This progressive neurodegenerative disorder selectively targets motor neurons, which are essential for transmitting signals from the brain to muscles. As these neurons die, individuals with ALS progressively lose their ability to move, swallow, and breathe, ultimately leading to death. The average life expectancy for someone diagnosed with ALS is just 2 to 5 years, and currently, there is no cure. The journey through ALS is incredibly challenging, not only for the person diagnosed but also for their family and caregivers. The emotional and physical toll is immense, compounded by the significant financial burden associated with managing the disease. This is why ALS is often referred to as the "bankruptcy disease," as the costs of care and treatment can be overwhelming for families.

Given the complexity of ALS and the significant impact it has on individuals, caregivers, and families, it takes a village of charities and societies in Canada working together to provide holistic support, improve the care, and fund cutting-edge research. In order to assist donors to choose the right charity to support ALS, Cause Funds provide donors with a central hub for giving and progress updates. The ALS Super Fund simplifies the donation process and enables confidence in support of a complex and multi-faceted cause, as experienced leaders meticulously direct the money to the most impactful charities and programs advancing towards a cure for ALS. This collaborative effort, led by former NHL player Mark Kirton who is living with ALS, exemplifies ALS Action Canada, a growing, patient-led movement committed to eradicating the disease.

In 2018, Mark received the devastating diagnosis of ALS. Despite the grim prognosis, he continues to challenge expectations, confronting ALS directly with unyielding determination. Six years later, he still stands firm, not only fighting the illness but also rallying an entire nation in unity against ALS with the Cause Fund, serving as a symbol of hope for all Canadians wrestling with its grip.

"Without question, the Super Fund reaching the 1 million threshold is a highlight in our quest to find a cure for ALS. But what cannot be forgotten is the incredible ALS advocacy awareness that has also been achieved. In many ways, it might be as important as the donations themselves. People across Canada now know what ALS is and how devastating it is for the patient and caregiving families,” said Mark Kirton. “Each and every year, we want to sustainably build on the success and of course not rest until a cure is found." 

“We know how difficult it can be for busy, hardworking Canadians to feel really confident that they have chosen ‘the right’ charity. We also know that among us there are many experienced change agents who know which charities and programs are most effective for a given cause at any given time. Cause Funds leaders like Mark Kirton help compassionate Canadians give with more confidence” said John Bromley, CEO of Charitable Impact. “The partnership between the NHL and the ALS Super Fund through our Cause Fund program exemplifies how efficiently complex change agencies can move forward when each party plays the role it is best at…kinda like hockey, I guess!?”

Professor Wendy Johnston, a member of the ALS Super Fund’s Advisory Council expressed her gratitude for the joint effort, "The evolution of ALS Action Canada (and the ALS Super Fund) is very heartening for me to see; they have a sense of a combined purpose and desire to collaborate. We are not a big community in Canada and we cannot afford not to be working together."

The ALS Super Fund will continue to bring together Canadians in pursuit of a cure, ensuring that every contribution fuel groundbreaking research and equitable access to treatment and trials for those battling ALS. Interested individuals can contribute directly to the Cause Fund here, witnessing firsthand the transformative impact of their support.

Charitable Impact is dedicated to fostering a culture of giving where everyone feels empowered to make a difference, recognizing that we all have causes we're passionate about and something to contribute toward them. With initiatives like Cause Funds, Charitable Impact provides the tools and support for Canadians to give more confidently knowing experienced community-based leaders behind the Cause Fund will get the money to the charities and programs championing their chosen causes, nurturing a culture where giving is intentional, fulfilling, and accessible to all. Explore more at https://www.charitableimpact.com.   

 

Please find media contacts below for further inquiries:

Jida El-Hajjar - Executive Director, ALS Action Canada

Available to speak about ALS or ALS Super Fund.

Kevin Moorhead - Senior Director, Cause Funds at Charitable Impact

Available to speak about the Cause Fund program at Charitable Impact.

 

Additional Resources:

Why we give story

ALS Super Fund website

Campaign page

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