June is ALS Awareness Month – 2024
Unite for ALS: Together We Can Make a Difference
#ALSAwarenessMonth
ALS Awareness Month
June 2024 is ALS Awareness Month in Canada, a time dedicated to raising awareness about Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). This devastating disease affects approximately 3,000 Canadians and their families. ALS is a relentlessly progressive motor neuron disease that leads to the loss of the ability to move, speak, and breathe. Approximately four out of five people with ALS die within two to five years of diagnosis. The emotional, financial, and psychological impact on patients and their families is immense (Canadian Institutes of Health Research, 2023).
The ALS Society of British Columbia is proud to join the national effort to increase understanding, foster compassion, and inspire action towards finding a cure for ALS. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for individuals and families with ALS. We provide essential services and support, advocate for better care and resources, and fund vital research to uncover treatments and ultimately find a cure for this devastating disease.
A Proclamation
The Province of British Columbia has officially proclaimed June 2024 as “Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Awareness Month.” This proclamation, made by Charles the Third, the King of Canada and Head of the Commonwealth, is supported by the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, Janet Austin.
Join Us
Join us this June as we raise awareness, support ALS patients, families, and caregivers and work towards a future without ALS. Over 100 events are held throughout the province this month to raise funds and awareness for ALS. These events include the Move to Cure ALS and the PGA of BC Golfathon for ALS.
Move to Cure ALS
This the signature fundraising event for our Society. People come together to “Move,” be it by walking, running, rolling, supporting or being present.
PGA of BC Golfathon for ALS
Golf professionals play from sunrise to sunset to raise funds for the Society’s Patient Service Programs.
50/50 Raffle Fundraiser
Support ALS & PLS patients in BC & Yukon by purchasing raffle tickets for only $5 each with no limits!
Together, we can make a difference and bring hope to those living with this challenging disease. For more information and involvement, contact us directly. Thank you for your support and commitment to ALS awareness and advocacy.
How You Can Help
There are many ways you can get involved and make a difference during ALS Awareness Month:
Spread Awareness: Share information about ALS on social media, in your community, and among your network. Use #ALSAwarenessMonth and #ALSBC to join the conversation and raise visibility.
Fundraising: Organize a fundraising event or participate in one of our existing campaigns to help raise funds for ALS research, support services, and advocacy efforts.
Volunteer: Become a volunteer and contribute your time and skills to support ALS patients and their families. Every contribution makes a meaningful impact, from providing companionship to assisting with fundraising events.
Advocate: Advocate for policies and initiatives that improve access to ALS care, treatments, and support services. Your voice can make a difference in those affected by ALS.
Donate: Consider donating to the ALS Society of British Columbia to support our programs and services. Your generosity enables us to continue our vital work in the ALS community.
BC Illuminates in Purple
Throughout the month of June, the following landmarks will be lit up in purple, the colour of support for those living with ALS, to mark the beginning of ALS Awareness Month in BC:
| DATE | LANDMARK | CITY |
| June 1 & 2 | Bloedel Conversatory | Vancouver |
| June 1 | Canada Place Sails of Light | Vancouver |
| June 1 | Lafarge Lake – Fountain | Coquitlam |
| June 1 & 2 | Parksville Civic & Technolgy Centre | Parksville |
| June 1 & 2 | Spirit of Sail Sculpture | Kelowna |
| June 1 | Science World | Vancouver |
| June 1 & 2 | The Bastion | Nanaimo |
| June 2 | BC Place Northern Lights Display | Vancouver |
| June 2 | BC Parliament Buildings | Victoria |
| June 2 | City Hall & Burrard Street Bridge | Vancouver |
| June 2 & 3 | Light Columns – Guildford Way & Pinetree Way | Coquitlam |
| June 2 | Vancouver Convention Centre | Vancouver |
| June 2 | YVR Tower Control | Richmond |
References:
Canadian Institutes of Health Research. (2023, June 1). Message from the Minister of Health – ALS Awareness Month. Canada.ca. https://www.canada.ca/en/institutes-health-research/news/2023/06/message-from-the-minister-of-health–als-awareness-month.html