Karen’s Purple Shirt Party was started by Rick Wagenaar and his four sons in memory of their wife and mother, Karen Wagenaar, who they lost to ALS in 2017. Since 2018, they have dedicated their time and energy into annual fundraisers, sharing Karen’s story while raising awareness and funds for the ALS Society of Alberta. We have been so moved by their support, and the support of the entire city of Medicine Hat, as they continue to make Karen’s Purple Shirt Party a reality even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. They have come up with a unique, viral campaign that we hope you will all take part in!

Traditionally, Medicine Hat High School's basketball programs dedicate one home game each year in support of Karen’s Purple Shirt Party. This has turned into a large event over the last two years, raising $3,007.05 last year and $1,190.00 the year prior. Due to COVID-19, they were forced to move in a different direction to raise awareness for those impacted by ALS. Thus, the ALS Selfie Challenge, 2021 was born!

There are two ways to participate in this event:

Just the selfie (more details below)
- Take a selfie using the “ALS Selfie” filter searchable on Instagram stories. Tag 3 friends challenging them to do the same and tag @ALSAlberta, and post on Instagram and Facebook.
Selfie & donation
- Follow the above steps adding that you donated and are challenging your 3 people to as well.

This challenge is simple – there is a new ALS Selfie filter on Instagram. To take part in the challenge, we want to see your photos with this filter in place! The challenge will run from April 26-April 30, where you post your selfies online and donate if you are able, while challenging three friends to do the same. To donate to this campaign, just click here!

The Purple Shirt Party and Medicine Hat High School have provided some great additional information for you to reference, and they challenge other schools around Alberta to participate as well. Everything you or your school will need (posters etc.) to participate is in this link.

We promise, even some of us tech-unsavvy folk at the Society could follow their instructional video and get our selfies taken!!! How to take a selfie with the ALS Society filter - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1isEd6-iJ9PsYH7fZ7bNka3z3bazIaBcu

We look forward to seeing all of your beautiful faces the week of April 26!