MS Read-a-thon and our boy

[Marmee]

Just after some thoughts....

Our little man (7 years old) came home yesterday all excited as he wants to participate in the MS Read-a-thon. He told me that he will raise money for people who are sick with MS and he just has to read lots of books and get people to "raise him" (sponsor him )

He loves reading and was really excited.....and then I realised why. He pulled out the registration form, and on it it shows this wonderful myriad of gifts that the readers receive, based upon how much money they raise during the a-thon.

(sigh) Prizes start with $20 sponsorship - and go up to something like $3000!!!! Of course, he wants to Nintendo DS (raise around $1000 from memory).

We've spoken to him about the fact that the read-a-thon is all about money for MS, not prizes for children - but how can he see past that? He's 7 years old for goodness sake, wanting a DS that his Mum and Dad won't buy him....and here's a chance.

Why, oh why, do they have to give out prizes to children for such things? When I did it as a child, we didn't get anything. And I was happy to just read for MS. I know that DS would be happy to just read for MS too.....but these darn prizes are taking it places it shouldn't be going!!!

[GreenGully]

Yep, we got a sticker and a book mark. I think there was a prize for the school which earned the most and for the individual too, but we always knew that it was out of reach living in a small country and only having 60 kids in our school.

[Marguerite]

Yep I remember simple prizes, but as you say the point is not the prizes children can win but the fundraising.

Also if a child does not make it to their goal, does it mean "I didn't get my DS = reading sucks"?

[Marmee]

Originally Posted by Marguerite

Also if a child does not make it to their goal, does it mean "I didn't get my DS = reading sucks"?

Such a valid point!

[sweetchili]

i think when i was in grade seven they started the prize thing for the MS read-a-thon. I thought it was pretty cool at the time, even though my mum explained how wrong it is.
it is SOOOooo wrong.

[tamarab30]

I completely agree - my daughter loves reading and can't wait to get started - and unfortunately has also picked out the prize she wants to receive! It's a shame that we aren't able to reinforce with our children that you don't always have to give something to get something - how about just give? I think I may have a chat to my daughter tonight and suggest that she pick a prize and give it to one of the sick kids at the hospital. She is very thoughtful and will probably be stoked with the idea - will let you all know what she thinks.

[Marmee]

Oh wow. That is a beautiful idea. My son wouldn't agree to that one. What is she hoping to get? Our son will end up with the pencil tin thing-a-me.

Anyway - I'm just disappointed that the fun out of reading for reading's sake and the joy out of giving is being taken away from our little ones. Think I might write to the MS society and ask why they are choosing to do this. I mean, I know why. But I want to hear what they have to say.

[Marguerite]

Originally Posted by Marmee

Think I might write to the MS society and ask why they are choosing to do this. I mean, I know why. But I want to hear what they have to say.

Sounds like a really good idea. It would be interesting to hear their thoughts.

[tamarab30]

Marmee, she was hoping to get the pencil thing too but now she is willing to give her prize to one of the kids in the hospital, she wants the Nintendo Wii - $5000! Oh boy lmao. I would be interested to hear what they have to say also

[LDHmummy]

I would guess that it's all about maximising the fundraising.

Living with MS sucks (my DP has it) and every cent helps.