BOSTON (WHDH) - Facebook says that the Ice Bucket Challenge viral fundraising campaign was one of the movements that inspired it to launch its fundraising tool that helped it reach a major milestone.
The social media giant has since raised more than $2 billion for charities.
Facebook’s Chief Operating Officer, Sheryl Sandberg, says more than 45 million people have donated or created a fundraiser on Facebook in the five years since the Ice Bucket Challenge went viral.
The challenge has already raised $220 million worldwide and helped raise awareness for ALS. The money raised has helped scientists make major advancements in research for the disease.
Former Boston College baseball player Pete Frates, who was diagnosed with ALS in 2012, created the challenge.
Facebook says several organizations, including Saint Jude’s Research Hospital, have benefited from the online fundraisers.
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