A total of 13 students from Roxby Downs and six from Saint Barbara's have jumped on board with the reading-based fundraiser, which encourages children to read books, learn about MS and raise funds to help people living with it.

Children are encouraged to read as much as possible over a 30-day period during the months of June, July or August.

There is no set reading list, with participants simply encouraged to read anything at their own level, such as magazines, newspapers, novels or CD ROM books to help reach fundraising goals.

Participants fundraise with their parent’s permission by asking for sponsorship pledges from family and friends.

MS Readathon South Australia and Northern Territory manager Debbie Adams said the MS Readathon was a fantastic program.

“Not only are children encouraged to read and improve their reading level, they also learn about people living with multiple sclerosis,” she said.

“Children can also receive rewards depending on how much they raise as a thank you for their hard work.”

In 2008, the MS Readathon raised more than $3,500,000 with 47,000 participants reading over a million books during the months of June.

Across the State, 2850 students have joined the MS Readathon already this year.

For more information or to register visit www.msreadathon.org.au