I'll admit I initially thought the ice bucket challenge was just another social media craze where people did something out of the ordinary - and maybe a little silly - just for the attention.

But, this week I learned a little more about the challenge, which raises money and awareness for Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

Not many would be aware there's more to the concept than meets the eye - or wets the body, as it may be.

The freezing sensation caused by being bucketed mimics the discomfort people with MND face on a daily basis.

The refreshing moment you're drenched also takes your breath away.

Despite their mind and senses usually remaining intact, people with MND progressively lose the use of their limbs and ability to speak, swallow and breathe.

The knowledge of those elements made me change my mind completely.

I was nominated to do the challenge by Wagga mayor Rod Kendall after he turned a bucket on himself earlier this week.

Councillor Kendall cited his public prominence as the main motivator for him to spread the word.

I chose to use my position at The Daily Advertiser to do the same and will make a personal donation of $50 to MND research.

MND has no known cure and no effective treatment.

Each day in Australia two people die from MND and another two are diagnosed with it.

For every person diagnosed with MND, it's estimated a further 14 members of their family - and their friends - will live with the effect of the disease forever.

So, before you judge a social media craze - like I did - have a think about what positives can come from it and whether there's an underlying element that makes it something more than it appears.

For a concept that probably began without a thought of where it could go - and the money it would make - the ice bucket challenge shows the power of social media and the role we play in creating awareness.

For me, it was just a moment of inconvenience; for MND research, the challenge has been described as a "game-changer".

More than 30,000 new supporters have donated more than $1 million to the organisation and state MND associations since it hit Australian shores about three weeks ago.

Over to you Member for Riverina Michael McCormack, Wagga City Councillor Paul Funnell and Committee 4 Wagga chief executive Chris Fitzpatrick.

To donate, visit www.mndaust.asn.au

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