Help those with MS by reading a good book

STUDENTS from across the region will be powering through as many books as they can during August to raise money for a
good cause.

August will mark the 43rd MS Readathon and schools, as well as individuals, are joining the reading quest to raise money and help people with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Registrations for the nationwide initiative are open and organisers are imploring adults and children to get off of social media and open up a good book.

Leopold Primary School is getting in on the action, entering into the initiative as the school has done for the past 20 years.

Librarian at the school, Jack Lopez, said the children at the school loved doing the MS Readathon as it allowed them to work towards a community cause.

“We talk to kids in the classroom about MS, and what it means to people who have MS and are living with it.

“We also talk about how reading and raising money are important and what it can go towards, to try and give them that motivation to read for others.”

The school presently has more than half of its students registered to take on the MS Readathon this coming month after raising more than $2,000 last year alone.

Excitement for this year’s event comes off the back of a gigantic turnout in last year’s edition of the Readathon.

The turnout in 2020 tripled the amount of participation that was in the 2019 Readathon, with almost 14,000 Victorians getting involved last year, compared to 4,822 the year before.

In turn, more than $4 million was raised across the country for vital support services to go to the 25,600 people living with MS, as 270,000 books were read by 50,000 committed Australians.

Despite the increased participation perhaps being a result of the pandemic, MS Limited senior manager of individual giving, strategic marketing and fundraising Elizabeth Dorizac remains optimistic that this year’s Readathon will be as successful as the last.

“Each year we aim to surpass the last,” Ms Dorizac said. “We are hoping to see more than 40,000 Australians take on the MS Readathon this year.

“If spending more time at home has taught us anything, it’s the power of a good book!”

With more than 100 schools situated in the Geelong, Bellarine and Surf Coast areas, Ms Dorizac urged the local communities to get involved.

“Get your friends and even your parents and grandparents involved and make it an experience for the whole family,” she said.

“Taking on the challenge together is rewarding for everyone involved.”

Funds raised will go towards MS Family Camps and Fun Days, which provide an opportunity for kids who have a parent living with MS to spend quality time with their family, learn more about the condition and bond with other children who are sharing their journey.