MS Read-a-Thon launches bold, modern new look for 2021 campaign to support people living with multiple sclerosis
For more than 40 years, the MS Society of Canada’s MS Read-a-Thon has been helping kids discover the joy of reading — while also supporting a good cause.
A generation that grew up participating in the MS Read-a-Thon can share those memories with their own children, and get involved once again with a revamped campaign that, while still encouraging kids to read as much as they can throughout the month of February, has evolved to better fit in the digital age.
Best of all, by joining the quest, it will not only awaken a love of reading, the fundraising will also make a difference in the lives of people living with multiple sclerosis (MS) in your own community.
“While we all appreciate a classic, we also know that children today want a modern approach,” says Becky Mitts, Senior Director, Community Fundraising, for the MS Society of Canada. “So, to make MS Read-a-Thon more fun than ever before, we’ve built an exciting, interactive website where kids can track the books they read and customize cool avatars — all while supporting their community and people living with MS.”
The rules for the MS Read-a-Thon are simple — read whatever you like, and as much as you can until February 28. Registration is free and parents can register their child as part of their school (teachers can register their class and invite students) or individually.
MS is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system, and can affect vision, memory, balance and mobility. It is considered an episodic disability meaning that the severity and duration of illness and disability can vary and are often followed by periods of wellness. It can also be progressive.
The MS Read-a-Thon is particularly important in Canada, which has one of the highest rates of MS in the world — an estimated one in every 400 people. On average, 12 Canadians are diagnosed with MS every day. It is most often diagnosed in adults between the ages of 20 and 49 — this age group accounts for 60 per cent of the cases in Canada — it can also be diagnosed in younger children and seniors.
“A world free of MS is achievable,” says Becky. “By participating in MS Read-a-Thon, you are joining hundreds of children and families who are making a difference in the lives of people living with MS one book at a time. Build awareness for multiple sclerosis and help raise important funds to support MS research to find a cure and improve the quality of life for Canadians affected by MS.”
To register for MS Read-a-Thon and learn more about the event, click here.
About multiple sclerosis and the MS Society of Canada
Canada has one of the highest rates of multiple sclerosis in the world. On average, 12 Canadians are diagnosed every day. MS is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (brain, spinal cord). It is considered an episodic disease meaning that the severity and duration of illness and disability can vary and are often followed by periods of wellness. Most people are diagnosed with MS between the ages of 20 and 49 and the unpredictable effects of the disease will last for the rest of their lives. The MS Society provides information, support and advocacy to people affected by MS, and funds research to find the cause and cure for the disease, bringing us closer to a world free of MS. Please visit mssociety.ca or call 1-800-268-7582 for more information, to get involved, or to support Canadians affected by MS by making a donation.
Join the conversation and connect with the MS community online. Find the MS Society on Twitter , Instagram or like our page on Facebook.
