Stratford-
A five-year-old girl from Stratford has been called a “micro-influencer” by the MS Society of Canada.
Not only did Izzy Marchenko read 750 books for the MS Read-A-Thon last year, but she also raised $6,500.
“She’s small,” said Kyla Arsenault, senior director of community fundraising for the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada. “But she really influences other kids to get involved and read.”
In an interview with CTV, Izzy explained that she was just reading for one person.
“Mom. Because of mom,” Izzy said.
Izzy’s mother has multiple sclerosis, a chronic disease that affects the nervous system.
Lindsey Marchenko said it started with mild dizziness and progressed until she found the right medication.
“It was almost like I was like a stroke victim in the sense that I couldn’t write during these little episodes or speak that stuff properly,” Marchenko said.
Marchenko said she was open with Izzy about MS, which inspired Izzy to take part in the organization’s read-a-thon campaign last year.
“She was just reading voraciously and I said to her ‘why are you reading so many books? Like you don’t have to read so many books. And she would say ‘but then I’ll get more donations’,” Martchenko explained.
Izzy’s efforts were recognized by the MS Society and the organization featured her as a poster for this year’s campaign.
“We know children have had such a hard time getting through the pandemic. They were taken out of school and returned to school. And she’s just a shining example of a kid doing a good job,” Arsenault added.
“She gave the community something positive to focus on,” Izzy’s mother said proudly.
“When we were in a dark time in terms of fundraising and giving. She was basically a light at the end of that tunnel.
According to Arsenault, the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada raised $105,000 during last year’s marathon reading campaign. This year, the goal is $150,000.
Izzy aims to read 150 books. She acknowledged that was far less than last year’s goal, but she plans to read more difficult books now that she is a year older and reading better.