This week I was chatting with Brisbane-based comedians Katrina Davidson and Mel Buttle on ABC 612 Radio (yes, clearly I wasn’t very funny that day) about all things charity.  Kat has recently signed up to do the Gold Coast Half Marathon and is thinking about dedicating her efforts to a charity – if you are going to suffer the pain, why not do it for someone else’s gain? But an exercise-based fundraiser isnt everyone’s cup of tea.  Luckily, my lovely friend Tamara Smith, who is the State Manager of the MS Readathon has the perfect solution for you:

I’m sure everyone has a ‘most commonly heard phrase’ in their job. You know what I mean; it’s that thing that people will say to you 90% of the time, when you tell them what you do for work. If you work for an airline there’s probably the inevitable ‘mile-high club’ comment, and I’m sure most teachers would have resigned themselves to hearing ‘lucky you – all those holidays’, when they mention their profession.   

I am lucky enough to work at the MS Society, and run the MS Readathon in Queensland. The MS Readathon has been running in schools for the past 32 years, so my most commonly heard phrase when I tell people what I do is ‘oh I remember that – I used to do it in school’ usually accompanied by a smile, and the occasional ‘far-away’ look.

The great news is now there is a way to recapture these happy childhood memories, and participate in the ‘MS Readathon for grown ups’ which we have called ‘the Novel Challenge’. The principle is the same, for thirty days, just read as many books as you can, and ask your friends and family to sponsor you. 

There are lots of fundraisers out there that involve running, riding or skipping, but if you’d prefer to help people living with MS by curling up with your favourite book, this might be the fundraiser for you (although if you do like riding, feel free to head to www.brissietothebay.com.au for our upcoming bike ride!). Let’s face it, most of us are probably so busy we need an excuse to take time out for the latest ‘must read’ book. 

So this June, July or August, why not dust off that pile of books you’ve ‘been meaning to get to’ and sign up for the Novel Challenge at www.thenovelchallenge.com.au . And while you’re there encourage your kids (or any young people of your acquaintance) to participate in the MS Readathon (www.msreadathon.org.au), and create their own happy childhood memories of helping people living with MS. 

If you would like more information about the MS Readathon, please contact Tamara below on:

Tamara Smith
MS Readathon
tamara.smith@msqld.org.au or visit www.msreadathon.org.au