Original version

BBC World Service Online

More or Less

Discussion & Talk

Factual: Arts, Culture & the Media

Tim Harford explains the numbers and statistics in the news and in life

Tim Harford explains the numbers and statistics in the news and in life.

More or Less: To Ice or Not to Ice?

Factual

KISS ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

05/09/2014

To Ice or Not to Ice?

BBC World Service - More or Less, To Ice or Not to Ice?

The ALS ice bucket challenge has made $100m. How should we choose charities to donate to?

The ALS ice bucket challenge viral phenomenon has raised over $100m. Is this good for charitable giving overall, and should we be more choosy about the charities we give to?

The ALS ice bucket challenge has become a viral phenomenon. People around the world have been dousing themselves in ice-cold water and in the process have raised over $100m for charity. But a true nerd doesn't run with the herd, and Tim Harford is only going to do the challenge if the facts stack up. He investigates whether a viral challenge like this is good for charitable giving overall, and whether there are reasons to be more choosy about the charities we give to.

(Image: KISS ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. Credit: Getty Images)

Accessibility links

Programme Index

More or Less

To Ice or Not to Ice?

Genres

Brand

BBC World Service Online

About BBC World Service