The students at Arawang Primary School in Waramanga have been named the top fundraisers in the ACT in this year’s MS Readathon.
Fifty-two students from Arawang Primary raised $5,044 for MS, the primary provider of support and services for people affected by multiple sclerosis. The students read over 600 books between them, with one student raising $743 for the cause. Students sign up for the Readathon online and log each book they read during the month of August, collecting money from donations.
This year is the first time the school has participated in the Readathon. Arawang Primary School’s MS Readathon Coordinator and year one teacher Emily Slater said the school wanted to do something that would inspire the children to read more, and raise money for a good cause.
“Our goal is to for children to enjoy reading, and anything that’s getting them keen to read is great,” she said.
“We were absolutely thrilled to have won and amazed because it’s the first year we’ve done it.
“We were really thankful for the generosity of the community that they rallied behind a good cause.”
This year is the MS Readathon’s 40th anniversary, with all funds raised going towards providing a special MS Family Camp Program for families and children living with multiple sclerosis. The camps will help families spend time together and with other families, as well as learning more about multiple sclerosis.
“We discussed the Readathon and multiple sclerosis with kids, about where there money would be going,” Ms Slater said.
Head of Individual Giving at MS, Natasha Duncan, said Arawang Primary School had put in a “fantastic effort”, especially considering it was the school’s first time participating in the MS Readathon.
“We very much appreciate the efforts of Arawang Primary School’s young readers and their teachers and families in raising more money than any other school in Canberra,” she said.
“The MS Readathon supports children’s enjoyment of reading, while also showing they can help other kids just by reading books. It’s a very positive activity to get involved with as every school has a connection to someone with multiple sclerosis.”
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