For obvious reasons this year, the Calcutta Run scheduled to take place last May had to be scotched. Not to be outdone by the pesky virus, the organisers have come up with a novel way to ensure that vital funds will continue to be raised for the Peter McVerry Trust and The Hope Foundation so that they can continue their vital work.

Members of the legal profession, their family members and friends are being asked to run, walk, cycle and hike a collective 10,000km to get us from Ireland to Kolkata –raising vital funds for both charities in the process.

Activity tracker

Those taking part can do so in their own time, from 30 October to 8 November. As well as uniting everyone in a shared cause, this virtual event will help those taking part to stay physically and mentally healthy.

The event organisers are asking participants to keep their activity to their local area, and to record the distance covered on an app. Everyone’s collective progress will be tracked on a map against the route to Kolkata.

Those taking part will need to sign up for the virtual run at www.calcuttarun.com/virtual-calcutta-run-2020-sign-up. There, you will be directed to create a fundraising page on idonate.ie. You will be presented with three options:

• Create your own individual page, or
• Set up a firm’s page for your company, or 
• Join an existing firm’s page.

Organisers optimistic

The organisers realise that it’s a big ask to achieve last year’s target of €300k. They are optimistic, however, that the solicitors’ profession will once again rise to the challenge of raising funds for the homeless of Kolkata and Dublin.

Added to the normal challenges for the people of Kolkata this year is the coronavirus – and the effects of Cyclone Amphan last May. These charities need us now more than ever, so let’s put our best foot forward!