The legal profession’s charity fundraiser the Calcutta Run could top a cumulative total of €4 million on its twentieth anniversary this May.
That’s the stated goal of Law Society President Michael Quinlan who helped launch this year’s run in Dublin on 14 March at the Mason Hayes Curran office in Dublin 4.
“This is a very special year for the Calcutta Run as we celebrate its 20th anniversary,” he said.
“Recent weather events have highlighted the vital work those on the front line do to assist the homeless and the profession is delighted to help contribute to that effort,” he said.
Event MC Gavin Duffy pointed out that no other profession has a fundraiser with the profile and heft of the Calcutta Run.
Muscle
The launch was attended by managing partners from the top twenty firms, who have all added their muscle to the flagship fundraiser.
First held in 1999, the Calcutta Run raises funds to combat homelessness in Ireland and Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) and has raised a staggering €3.7 million over the past nineteen years.
On 26 May, up to 1500 participants will undertake a 5km or 10km route through Dublin’s Phoenix Park with a cycling route available in Cork.
All proceeds from the 2018 event will go towards the work of the Peter McVerry Trust and The Hope Foundation. Both organisations work with the homeless in Ireland and India.
The fundraiser brings together legal professionals from around the country and is wholeheartedly supported by the Law Society of Ireland.
Pat Doyle of the Peter McVerry Trust said “The Calcutta Run has made a huge contribution to our work over the years and to our ability to respond to people experiencing homelessness in Ireland.”
Maureen Forrest of the Hope Foundation said “The Calcutta Run is making an incredible difference to the children with whom we work with in Kolkata.”
At the launch, Law Society financial controller Cillian MacDomnaill outlined the growth of the event which started with 300 runners in 1999.
Unique event
Event host Declan Black of MHC said “The Calcutta Run is a unique event embraced by the entire legal profession in Ireland. It brings together private practices and in-house lawyers, big firms and small, urban and rural in a common charitable endeavour.
“Our firm is proud to make its contribution to what will hopefully be a record-breaking year for fundraising," he said.