Virtual book club to keep kids connected in isolation
25 July 2020 at 8:00 am
The MS Readathon is back for 2020 but with a twist
Multiple Sclerosis Limited (MSL) is launching a virtual book club alongside its iconic MS Readathon this year, with kids across Australia set to read their favourite books to each other on Facebook.
The MS Readathon is aiming to attract more than 41,000 primary school readers this year, with 60 selected to read to other children on the event’s Facebook page.
The virtual book club will also feature VIP authors reading, featuring best-selling authors such as MS Readathon ambassador Andy Griffiths.
The decision to launch the book club was based on several studies which showed how reading to children helped improve literacy and vocabulary.
MSL CEO John Blewonski said the MS Readathon existed to teach kids practical and useful learning tactics, with literacy an essential skill for successful kids.
“Launching Readathon Book Club is another great way to engage children to share their favourite books and to encourage other children across Australia to join them on a magical journey of reading, while of course raising funds for a meaningful cause,” Blewonski said.
“We [also] know having a parent or family member who is unwell can be confronting and stressful for a child, so really, the MS Readathon is about kids helping kids with family members with MS to learn more about the condition and to know they are not alone.”
The MS Readathon raises funds to support more than 25,600 people living with MS in Australia.
The campaign aims to raise more than $2.5 million this year, with funds going towards vital services including camps for families impacted by MS.
Griffiths – who is known for writing the Just! series and the novel The Day My Bum Went Psycho – said he loved encouraging children to read, especially through an important cause like the MS Readathon.
“I’ve always loved a challenge, and if that challenge involves bringing kids and books together in order to raise funds to help people with MS, then all the better,” Griffiths said.
“I can’t imagine a life without reading and I am happy to be an MS Readathon ambassador to inspire as many children as possible to discover the pleasures of reading and imagination for themselves.”
The readathon runs from 1 to 31 August 2020. You can find out more information here.
The virtual book club will run on the event’s Facebook page from 7.00pm – 7.30pm (AEST) on weekdays from 27 July to 31 August.
