The Multiple Sclerosis Society have been organizing the MS Read-A-Thon in Canada since 1977.  They explain that, "... students across Canada have read millions of books and raised millions of dollars in support of the MS Society’s work to fund multiple sclerosis research and provide programs and services to individuals with MS and their families."  The program encourages children to read books and at the same time gather sponsored donations for research into MS.  The children and staff at A. B. Ellis have been involved in the program since at least 1988.