Supplied: MS Society of Canada, Facebook

By Abby Zieverink

Fundraiser

MS Read-a-Thon fundraiser kicks off January 27

Jan 26, 2022 | 6:00 AM

Registration is open for the MS Society of Canada’s annual Read-a-Thon fundraiser.

The Read-a-Thon encourages children to read as much as they can from January 27 to February 28, all while raising money for individuals living with MS.

The fundraising goal for 2022 is $150,000.

Carla Holton, Wellness Coordinator for the MS Society of Canada says the fundraiser works to create awareness on MS, teaching children about MS, as well as raising money for various MS supports.

“Obviously MS research is very, very important and another piece that is super important is programs and services that help enhance the quality of life for individuals living with MS,” she said.

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She explains one of these services includes the knowledge network.

“It’s a 1-800 number individuals can phone and talk to someone that has a great, extensive knowledge of MS so they might refer them to different programs or share information with them so that’s a wonderful program, one of the first touchpoints for an individual who reaches out to the MS society.”

Holton tells EverythingGP the MS society has been doing its annual Read-a-Thon for over 40 years, however, over the past two years she says they have shifted the fundraiser to a more modern approach.

“Young readers can go on and as they read a book, they can log that, and every time they read a book, they get badges and as donations come in they unlock certain features for their avatars,” she added.

“This year we introduced a very Canadian avatar, we have a moose which is super cute and it’s an opportunity for students to get more involved in reading and raises awareness for MS and much-needed funds for the MS society.”

Last year was the first year doing it in a digital format, which Holton says was a success.

“Everyone was shocked by how many young people we had registered and reading and raising donations for the MS society.”

Registration is open for children to sign up individually or in a group. Registration is free however, participants who send their first donation in by January 27, will have their name entered for a chance to win a Fire tablet and $100 gift card for online books.

“I know some schools are registering the classroom, the teachers are doing it with their students. in light of a lot of classes being online right now, it’s a nice way for students to do it online as well,” said Holton.

Anyone with questions about MS are asked to call 1-844-859-789.