Geelong Lutheran and Leopold raise big in 2021 MS Readathon

AUGUST’S MS Readathon is in the books with more than 27,482 participants including schools pulling together to raise $2,353,680 in the fight against multiple sclerosis.

Amongst those participants were several schools residing in the Geelong, Surf Coast and Bellarine regions, making a difference of their own, with students reading books and finding sponsors to help them accumulate donations throughout last month.

Geelong Lutheran College’s grade five students were a last-minute submission into this year’s Readathon, but that had no impact on the massive amount of donations that they gathered.

The cohort of 41 Lutheran College students were led by grade five teachers Kristy Jackson and Jane Hollett, combining to raise $3,021.68.

Geelong Lutheran College’s total amount raised this year dwindled last year’s numbers by more than $2,500, an achievement to be extremely proud of according to their Head of Primary Vicky Schilling.

“I am just amazed at how much money they were able to raise,” Ms Schilling said.

“The students have exceeded the expectations we had of them, and we are so pleased that they have used this opportunity while at home to do something that not just benefits their own reading, but also benefits others in the community.”

Leopold Primary School has a long history of producing large amounts of donations every year through the MS Readathon and this year was no different.

Leopold raised more than $2,000 in 2020 but has skyrocketed past that benchmark in 2021 raising a total of $9,268.

The school is extremely proud of its efforts this year and is already looking forward to next year’s event said member of the school’s Welfare Team, Jack Lopez.

“We are extremely proud of our students at Leopold Primary School, raising a phenomenal $9268 for the MS Foundation,” Mr Lopez said.

“During these challenging times, to still have a focus on others is highly commendable and we thank the students and their friends and families for reading and donating.

“We have loved hearing about the stories that were read and look forward to participating again in 2022.”

Other schools to make contributions this year included St Thomas Catholic Primary School in Drysdale, Ocean Grove Primary School and Grovedale West Primary School who all helped raise funds toward the final total.

To see how your school went, or if you would like to find out more about the MS Foundation, head to msreadathon.org.au.