MREF announces the 2026 Backpack Challenge Readathon

Book lovers everywhere: The Marketing Research Education Foundation (MREF) is hosting its annual Backpack Challenge Readathon this August! Just by reading your favorite books, you can help underserved children all over the U.S. Get ready to track your minutes reading this August 1-31 to support a great cause!

Eight out of 10 teachers say they have at least one student who relies on them for food, hygiene items and/or school supplies. These teachers use their own money to provide basic supplies for their students. For 2026, the MREF’s goal is to raise enough money so 600+ children can have the supplies necessary to succeed.

How to get involved

Anyone can participate in the Backpack Challenge. We encourage you to invite your coworkers, kids, friends, and family. There is no charge to participate, however you are welcome to donate when you register. $25 = 1 backpack full of supplies!

To participate, join a book club to track your minutes reading or listening to audiobooks. This is the perfect opportunity to open a book for a good cause! If your company is not sponsoring a club, please feel free to join Team MREF.

We can’t wait for you to join us!

• Participants will log their minutes as individuals or as part of a company team and will be able to see their progress compared to others in the leaderboard.

• The top two individuals in each category – reading and listening – will each receive a prize.

• There is a portal to share photos and encourage each other.

Registration and details can be found at https://runsignup.com/Race/MN/SaintPaul/MREFBackpackChallenge.

Become a sponsor

All Backpack Challenge Readathon sponsors get a book club. This allows you to invite your employees, clients, friends, and family to join you in logging their minutes reading – either a book of their choice or one chosen for the club. Participation for employees is free, though they can donate to the effort. Sponsorships start at $250 (10 backpacks).

Contact Alana Gates at alana@mrgivesback.org for more information.

About the Marketing Research Education Foundation (MREF)

The Marketing Research Education Foundation’s mission is to unify, inspire, and activate the marketing research community to focus its collective resources to educate children and youth worldwide. With the collective contributions of more than 100 organizations in the industry, the MREF has made a positive impact on the lives of hundreds of children and their families.