Westover: Remember the ice-bucket challenge? It's got an added cause
Article content
It's also ALS Awareness Month.
Article content
Article content
In the first week of June, the iconic 'Ottawa' sign was lit up in purple, the ALS Society's signature colour. This year, it set an admirable goal of raising $2,225,000 through virtual and in-real-life walks and other events.
Article content
Article content
But of course, the biggest push to raise awareness and dollars for ALS came in 2014.
Article content
That's when the Ice Bucket Challenge took the world by storm. For those who missed the phenomenon, it was simple and shockingly (pun intended) effective: participants dumped a bucket of ice water over their heads, posted the video online, and challenged others to do the same.
Article content
Those who chose to opt out were supposed to open their wallets instead. Many did both.
Article content
Everyone from Oprah to Bill Gates got in on the action. It was nothing short of a global movement, raising $220 million U.S. while galvanizing optimism and hope for a community with too little of both.
Article content
Fundraising challenge rebranded
Article content
Article content
In the U.S., these mental health donations go to Active Minds, a Washington-based mental health non-profit. In Canada, in the absence of a definitive counterpart, the Canadian Mental Health Association has stepped up to suggest donations to its local branches.
Article content
Article content
Yet many young people seem unaware there's supposed to be a fundraising component at all; for some of them, performance trumps philanthropy.
Article content
My first instinct on hearing about the new version was protective, because the Ice Bucket Challenge was to ALS what the Terry Fox Run is to cancer.
Article content
But then I recalled a 2019 column I wrote about my father's ALS diagnosis and lack of mental health support. Given his advanced age, he opted to forgo invasive interventions. His decline was steep and rapid. He died seven agonizing months after meeting his neurologist.
Article content
I reflected that his medical care centred entirely on his failing body, with too little given to his mental well-being. It's no surprise that many people living with ALS, as well as their caregivers and loved ones, face serious mental health challenges.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Toronto Star
3 days ago
- Toronto Star
VitalHub Reports Second Quarter 2025 Results
Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR)(1) up 55% YoY to $79.6 million Total Revenue up 47% YoY to $23.9 million Adjusted EBITDA(1) up 50% YoY to $6.3 million TORONTO, Aug. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Vitalhub Corp. (TSX:VHI) (OTCQX:VHIBF) (the 'Company' or 'VitalHub') announced today it has filed its Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis report for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025 with the Canadian securities authorities. These documents may be viewed under the Company's profile at 'Momentum continued in the second quarter with annual organic ARR(1) growth of 14% and 26% adjusted EBITDA(1) margin,' said Dan Matlow, CEO of VitalHub. 'We have worked hard to integrate all 2024 acquisitions that we are building toward our targeted consolidated financial profile. We recently closed the larger acquisitions of Canada-based Novari and UK-based Induction. These add established electronic referral, surgical wait list management, and patient engagement solutions to the VitalHub patient flow suite. Inclusive of all activity to date, we have over $40 million of cash and over $90 million of ARR(1), providing the flexibility and scale to continue expanding internationally.' VitalHub's quarterly investor conference call will take place on Friday, August 8, 2025, at 9:00AM EST. To register for the conference call please visit: ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Second Quarter 2025 Highlights ARR(1) as at June 30, 2025 was $79,589,081 as compared to $73,687,666 at March 31, 2025, an increase of $5,901,415 or 8%.Over the previous quarter, ARR(1) movement in Q2 2025 from Q1 2025 was attributable to the following: Organic growth of $1,860,849 or 3%. Acquisition growth of $3,870,000 or 5%. Gain of $170,566 due to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. ARR(1) as at June 30, 2025 was $79,589,081 as compared to $73,687,666 at March 31, 2025, an increase of $5,901,415 or 8%.Over the previous quarter, ARR(1) movement in Q2 2025 from Q1 2025 was attributable to the following: Organic growth of $1,860,849 or 3%. Acquisition growth of $3,870,000 or 5%. Gain of $170,566 due to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. Revenue of $23,857,548 as compared to $16,237,605 in the equivalent prior year period, an increase of $7,619,943 or 47%. From the date of closing to June 30, 2025, Induction contributed revenue of $480,383. ARR(1) as at June 30, 2025 was $79,589,081 as compared to $73,687,666 at March 31, 2025, an increase of $5,901,415 or 8%.Over the previous quarter, ARR(1) movement in Q2 2025 from Q1 2025 was attributable to the following: Organic growth of $1,860,849 or 3%. Acquisition growth of $3,870,000 or 5%. Gain of $170,566 due to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. Revenue of $23,857,548 as compared to $16,237,605 in the equivalent prior year period, an increase of $7,619,943 or 47%. From the date of closing to June 30, 2025, Induction contributed revenue of $480,383. Gross profit as a percentage of revenue was 81% in Q2 2025 and Q2 2024. Net income before income taxes of $2,255,226 as compared to $1,383,605 in the equivalent prior year period, an increase of $871,621 or 63%. EBITDA(1) of $3,599,683 as compared to $1,972,452 in the equivalent prior year period, an increase of $1,627,231 or 82%. Adjusted EBITDA(1) of $6,304,647 or 26% of revenue, as compared to $4,193,985 or 26% of revenue in the equivalent prior year period, an increase of $2,110,662 or 50%. Six Month 2025 Highlights ARR(1) as at June 30, 2025 was $79,589,081 as compared to $51,283,570 at June 30, 2024, an increase of $28,305,511 or 55%.Over the previous year, ARR(1) movement in Q2 2025 from Q2 2024 was attributable to the following: Organic growth of $7,329,129 or 14%. Acquisition growth of $18,470,000 or 36%. Gain of $2,506,382 due to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. ARR(1) as at June 30, 2025 was $79,589,081 as compared to $51,283,570 at June 30, 2024, an increase of $28,305,511 or 55%.Over the previous year, ARR(1) movement in Q2 2025 from Q2 2024 was attributable to the following: Organic growth of $7,329,129 or 14%. Acquisition growth of $18,470,000 or 36%. Gain of $2,506,382 due to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. Revenue of $45,532,514 as compared to $31,494,396 in the equivalent prior year period, an increase of $14,038,118 or 45%. Gross profit as a percentage of revenue was 81% in the first six months of 2025 and 2024. Net income before income taxes of $3,742,639 as compared to net income before income taxes of $3,362,500 in the equivalent prior year period, a increase of $380,139 or 11%. EBITDA(1) of $6,750,057 compared to $5,071,468 in the prior year, an increase of $1,678,589 or 33%. Adjusted EBITDA(1) of $11,919,333 or 26% of revenue, compared to $8,238,917 or 26% of revenue in the equivalent prior year period, an increase of $3,680,416 or 45%. Cash on hand as at June 30, 2025 was $94,008,665 compared to $56,574,904 as at December 31, 2024. The Company arranged a $15,000,000 loan to finance an acquisition and fully repaid the balance subsequent to quarter-end. On July 4, 2025, the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of Novari Health Inc. and its subsidiaries ('Novari') for total consideration of approximately $35.8 million in cash and the issuance of 733,726 common shares of VitalHub. Novari's platform offers a series of integrated software modules providing referral management, surgical wait list management, central intake, and care coordination. With the addition of the ARR(1) of Novari subsequent to the quarter, the Company's pro forma ARR(1) as at June 30, 2025, is approximately $91.6 million. (1) Non-IFRS measure. Disclaimers and reconciliations can be found in SEDAR filings. About VitalHub VitalHub is a leading software company dedicated to empowering health and human services providers globally. VitalHub's comprehensive product suite includes electronic health records, operational intelligence, and workforce automation solutions that serve over 1,000 clients across the UK, Canada, and other geographies. The Company has a robust two-pronged growth strategy, targeting organic opportunities within its product suite and pursuing an aggressive M&A plan. VitalHub is headquartered in Toronto with over 500 employees globally, across key regions and the VitalHub Innovations Lab in Sri Lanka. For more information about VitalHub (TSX:VHI) (OTCQX:VHIBF), please visit and LinkedIn. Contact Information Christian Sgro, CPA, CA, CFA Head of IR and M&A Specialist (365) 363-6433 Dan Matlow Chief Executive Officer, Director (416) 727-9061 Cautionary Statement Certain statements contained in this news release may constitute 'forward-looking information' or 'financial outlook' within the meaning of applicable securities laws that involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information or financial outlook. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as 'plans', 'is expected', 'expects', 'scheduled', 'intends', 'contemplates', 'anticipates', 'believes', 'proposes' or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results 'may', 'could', 'would', 'might' or 'will' be taken, occur or be achieved. Such statements are based on the current expectations of the management of each entity and are based on assumptions and subject to risks and uncertainties. Although the management of each entity believes that the assumptions underlying these statements are reasonable, they may prove to be incorrect. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Except as required by applicable securities laws, forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
National Post
4 days ago
- National Post
NFLPA confirms to players that the use of smelling salts is not banned
The NFL Players Association confirmed to players Wednesday that the NFL's new policy on smelling salts only prohibits teams from providing them to players on game days. The measure does not ban players from using them, the union clarified. Article content 'The NFL Players Association is aware of the memo issued by the league Tuesday regarding the use of smelling salts and ammonia capsules,' the NFLPA wrote in its memo, a copy of which was obtained by The Washington Post. 'We were not notified of this club policy change before the memo was sent out. To clarify, this policy does not prohibit player use of these substances, but rather it restricts clubs from providing or supplying them in any form. The NFL has confirmed this to us. If you have any questions, please reach out to your player director.' Article content Article content Article content The NFL informed teams Tuesday that they are prohibited from supplying ammonia capsules or any form of smelling salts to players on game days. However, a ban on use by players would have to be negotiated with the union. Article content The league's memo to teams, a copy of which The Post obtained Tuesday, noted that last year the Food and Drug Administration 'issued a warning to companies that produce commercially available ammonia inhalants (AIs), as well as to consumers about the purchase and use of AIs, regarding the lack of evidence supporting the safety or efficacy of AIs marketed for improving mental alertness or boosting energy. The FDA noted potential negative effects from AI use. AIs also have the potential to mask certain neurologic signs and symptoms, including some potential signs of concussion.' Article content That FDA warning led the NFL's head, neck and spine committee to recommend a prohibition on the use of ammonia inhalants 'for any purpose during play in the NFL,' according to the memo. Article content Article content 'In light of this information, effective for the 2025 NFL season, clubs are prohibited from providing or supplying ammonia in any form at NFL games,' the league said. 'For clarity, 'ammonia' refers to ammonia capsules, inhalers, ammonia in a cup, and any form of 'smelling salts.'' Article content The NFL told teams that the prohibition 'applies to all club personnel (including but not limited to team physicians, athletic trainers, strength and conditioning coaches and coaches or other personnel)' and will be in effect 'through the entirety of all NFL games, including during all pregame activities, and halftime, and applies on the sideline and in stadium locker rooms.' Article content San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle walked onto the NFL Network set at the team's training camp Tuesday to 'air a grievance,' he said. Article content 'Our team got a memo today that smelling salts and ammonia packets were made illegal in the NFL,' Kittle said, adding that he uses them on every offensive drive, 'and I've been distraught all day. … I considered retirement. … So we've got to figure out a middle ground here, guys. Somebody help me out. Somebody come up with a good idea.'
CTV News
4 days ago
- CTV News
Canadian COVID-19 study misrepresented in false claims about mass ‘spraying' of vaccine
A jar of empty COVID-19 vaccine vials is shown at a pharmacy in Toronto on Wednesday, April 6, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette The second phase of human trials for inhaled aerosol COVID-19 vaccine 'AeroVax' is ongoing at a Canadian university. Online posts claimed the vaccine could or would be used in mass airborne vaccinations without consent, or that the university received funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. These claims are false. The vaccine, which is still in its trial phase and not approved for use in Canada, would involve an inhaler — not mass spraying. The Canadian Press could find no evidence of Bill Gates's involvement in the study, which is funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. The claim 'Canada Advances Plan to 'Vaccinate' Public with Bill Gates-Funded Covid mRNA Aerosols,' reads part of an Aug. 3 X post. The post mentions Canada's plan to 'vaccinate the general public using aerosols' through the 'AeroVax' vaccine, which is currently undergoing its second phase of human trials at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ont. The post uses an airplane emoji and includes an image of a crop duster aircraft and Bill Gates, and links to an article that claims Gates's non-profit foundation is funding the testing because it funds the wider university. Similar posts from earlier this year claimed the vaccine would be inhaled through the air or that Bill Gates was an investor. Rating: False The researchers conducting the AeroVax study told The Canadian Press the vaccine is not designed for mass vaccination. 'Confirming that the AeroVax Inhaled COVID vaccine is designed to be administered to individuals and it not designed to be 'sprayed' on the public via aircraft as a form of mass vaccination for people who don't consent,' research co-ordinator Marilyn Swinton said in an email. The study protocol, as well, outlines the vaccine would be inhaled by individuals through a mouthpiece using a nebulizer. An article from McMaster about the study's Phase 1 results noted the vaccine is 'delivered directly to the lungs as an inhaled mist' instead of by needle. The study's researchers believe the vaccine could prevent breakthrough COVID-19 infections. Findings from preclinical studies and the Phase 1 trial show the vaccine could be 'more effective at inducing immune responses than traditional injected vaccines are, because it directly targets the lungs and upper airways,' according to McMaster. Keyword searches show spraying the vaccine through aircraft or without the public's consent isn't mentioned or implied by the study at all. A keyword search on the McMaster website shows the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation provides certain funding opportunities researchers can apply for. But the non-profit is not involved in the AeroVax study. Swinton, the study's research co-ordinator, said the AeroVax study is funded by Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the federal agency responsible for medical research funding in Canada. In March, the agency provided $8,266,315 for the vaccine's second phase trial over three years. Sources Claim posted to X Aug. 3, 2025 (archived) and similar claims posted to X May 2, 2025 here (archived) and here (archived post, archived video) Frank Bergman. Canada Advances Plan to 'Vaccinate' Public with Bill Gates-Funded Covid mRNA Aerosols. Slay News website. Aug. 3, 2025 (archived) Adam S Komorowski et al. AeroVax: study protocol for a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2 trial to evaluate safety and immunogenicity of a next-generation COVID-19 vaccine delivered by inhaled aerosol to humans. ERJ Open Research via National Library of Medicine website. June 9, 2025 (archived) Blake Dillon. Promising results from Phase 1 human trials of McMaster's inhaled COVID-19 vaccine. McMaster University website. July 4, 2025 (archived) Blake Dillon. Made-at-McMaster inhaled COVID-19 vaccine begins phase-2 human trial. McMaster University website. March 10, 2025 (archived) A phase 2 trial to evaluate safety and immunogenicity of a next-generation COVID-19 vaccine delivered by inhaled aerosol to humans. Canadian Institutes of Health Research website. Accessed Aug. 5, 2025 (archived) Marissa Birnie, The Canadian Press
