Four-year-old Daisy is one of 686 ACT children participating in this year’s MS Readathon, which inspires kids to read as much as they can while supporting families impacted by multiple sclerosis (MS).
Running for more than 40 years, the MS Readathon helps to implement practical and useful tactics into children’s learning and development, while teaching children how to fundraise for a worthy cause.
Daisy is taking part to honour a special friend who was diagnosed with MS and whose life was taken too soon.
Daisy’s mum, Rebecca, said she is excited that Daisy is getting involved in her own fundraising initiative and demonstrating that even as a toddler, she can still do something ‘small’ to help those in need.
“We are so proud of Daisy and her enormous efforts in raising money for the MS Family Camps to help other children, like her, understand more about the condition that can have such a significant impact on families,” Rebecca said.
“Not only is this a great fundraiser for the whole family, it is perfect for toddlers and young children because of their natural love of learning. Reading is a great tool in nurturing and developing learning, all the while raising money for an important cause.”
Running from 1 to 31 August, the MS Readathon encourages students to undertake recreational reading while raising funds to support the 538 ACT residents living with MS.
The funds raised go towards vital services, including MS Family Camps which are run across the country, including in Canberra. The camps provide an opportunity for kids who have a parent or family member living with MS to spend quality time with their family, learn more about MS and bond with other kids sharing their journey.
MS Limited CEO John Blewonski said he was excited to see the ACT’s love of reading continue to grow with record numbers in 2020.
“MS Readathon exists to help implement practical and useful tactics into children’s learning, with literacy an essential skill that children need to succeed,” he said.
“The MS Readathon is also a great way to engage children to encourage other children across the state to join them on a magical journey of reading, while of course raising funds for a meaningful cause.”
This year, the campaign aims to raise more than $2.5 million.
Funds raised through the MS Readathon in ACT support MS Family Camps for kids and families of people living with MS as well as the essential services delivered by MS Limited such as service coordination, phone support, physiotherapy and exercise therapy, psychology, and accommodation.
This year’s MS Readathon is running from 1 to 31 August. Registration is free, and children can do so individually or with their school, while also being encouraged to write online book reviews and rate their favourite reads.
Register via www.msreadathon.org.au/
