MS Canada raising money, support with this year’s Read-a-Thon for kids
Over 500 children already registered, aiming for CA$65K in donations
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Two young children lying on a mat read a book together. (Photo from iStock)
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MS Canada's annual Read-a-Thon for kids is raising funds for multiple sclerosis research and community programs.
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Children and adults participate by reading to gather donations, aiming for CA$65,000 this year.
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Funds support research, the MS Knowledge Network, support groups, and educational webinars for patients.
MS Canada is hosting its annual MS Read-a-Thon, a fundraiser encouraging children to turn their reading goals into donations to support people with multiple sclerosis (MS).
This year’s event aims to raise CA$65,000 (nearly $48,000) to support MS research and community programs. So far, 565 people have registered, and more than CA$29,000 (more than $20,000) has been raised. The Read-a-Thon adventure began Feb. 9 and will run through March 9.
“We aren’t just asking kids to read, but to make an impact on people’s lives,” Gemma Cowan, assistant vice president of community fundraising at MS Canada, said in a press release from the nonprofit. “They might know a family member, a friend or neighbour affected by MS, and by participating in the MS Read-A-Thon, they’re raising awareness and helping those in their community.”
Cowan adds: “Every page turned and dollar raised throughout this initiative make a real difference in supporting Canadians living with MS.”
Registration is free and can be completed on the MS Canada website by a parent or guardian for each child. The site’s homepage now reads “A Million Epic Adventures. For One Incredible Cause.”
Teachers and schools cannot register students directly, but they can create a class or school team and share a link so parents can sign up their children and join the appropriate group.
Adults may also participate on their own or as part of teams or classes.
MS Canada to use funds for ‘critical’ research, support programs
All participants receive a personal webpage where they can choose an avatar, set goals, and track the books they read. Pretty much any type of reading material — including comics, magazines, picture books, and textbooks — counts toward the total. The page can be shared with friends and family, who can follow the reader’s progress and donate.
MS Canada provides fundraising resources, including activity sheets, reading charts, social media graphics, email signatures, and tips for raising funds. In addition to reading, children may complete extra chores around the house or ask for help to sell some toys.
As participants reach certain reading milestones, they can earn reward badges and small prizes, including items like sticker sheets, a book bag, and a panda plushie. At each milestone, each person’s avatar also continues its journey, unlocking new customizations and surprises.
Through investments in critical research and programs, the MS Read-a-Thon will support over 90,000 Canadians living with MS all while inspiring a lifelong love of reading.
Funds raised will support groundbreaking MS research as well as programs and services offered by MS Canada. These include the MS Knowledge Network, which provides information on managing symptoms, research advances, and navigating local health and community services.
Other initiatives supported include support groups for people with MS and their caregivers, educational webinars featuring experts, and virtual physical activity programs.
“Through investments in critical research and programs, the MS Read-a-Thon will support over 90,000 Canadians living with MS all while inspiring a lifelong love of reading,” Cowan said.
