Bob Geldof launches cheeky Band Aid Challenge to fight Ebola virus

Humanitarian Bob Geldof is trying to trigger a social media campaign that will do for Ebola victims what the Ice Bucket Challenge did for amytrophic lateral sclerosis.

Geldof calls it the Band Aid Challenge and it's a fun way for people to alleviate suffering in West Africa.

It's not that difficult. All you have to do is videotape yourself singing Bono's famous line "Tonight we're reaching out and touching you" from "Do They Know It's Christmas?".

The song was re-recorded this year as part of the Band Aid 30 fundraising campaign to help West Africans afflicted with Ebola.

According to Geldof's rules, the singer of the line is expected to nominate three others, who are each expected to contribute 10 British pounds (CDN$18.10) to the cause.

"I nominate Damien Lewis, Dominic West, Richard E. Grant, the crème de la crème of British acting," Geldof, a former Georgia Straight music editor, says in the video. "And I will donate 10 quid to BandAid30.com or on text 70707."

Those who refuse to respond will be assessed a fine of 100 British pounds, though no court is likely to enforce this.

The Band Aid 30 single "Do They Know It's Christmas?" is available on Amazon. And if you see the video below, you'll see how Bono delivers the line.