By joining in the MS READaTHON, the annual sponsored read, children all over the country will have an opportunity to their favourite books in the space of a month while raising money for people living with Multiple Sclerosis in Ireland.
The sign-up period for this year’s MS READaTHON will start at the beginning of September, with the reading period running from the 17th October until the 17th November.
As ever, this brilliant initiative is supported by lots of famous authors and sports personalities, like Cecelia Ahern, Gordon D’Arcy, Oisín McGann and Laura Woods.
In 2007 31,000 young readers aged 6-16 raised over €1.4 million for those living with MS in Ireland. Cheryl Gunning, MS READaTHON manager, says, “On behalf of the 7,000 people who have MS in Ireland, we would like to say a huge thank you to all the schoolchildren, teachers and parents who helped to make this possible. We hope you enjoyed taking part and we look forward to seeing you back for the 2008 campaign.” Since 1988, when the MS READaTHON was first held in Ireland, over 10 million euro has been raised.
As well as raising money for people with MS, there are also plenty of prizes to be won, including a computer, a trip for two to see Manchester Utd play at Old Trafford, a digital camera, a road & track bicycle and a Roboreptile. Each pupil who gets involved receives a Thank You gift.
Schools can compete for the Winning Schools Trophies and for thousands of euros worth of books with which to update their school libraries. There are prizes for teachers and librarians too. In addition, ten per cent of the money raised in each school can be kept to buy books or reading aids for the school.
HOW TO SIGN UP
The sign up period begins at the start of September. Children can sign up individually to take part, and/or schoolteachers can sign their classes up. Schools can sign up by filling out the entry forms that they will all receive in September. Individuals can pick up entry forms from their local library or bookshop, which will also be available from that time.
For more information visit www.msreadathon.ie or phone 1850 650 950.
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