The Law Society of Ireland has presented €285,000 to its Calcutta Run charity partners, Peter McVerry Trust and the Hope Foundation, at an online cheque handover ceremony.

Organised by the Law Society of Ireland, the 22nd annual Calcutta Run took place virtually for the first time between 30 October and 8 November.

More than 1,000 members of the legal profession, along with their family and friends, were asked to run, walk, cycle and hike to collectively reach 10,000km - the distance between Dublin and Kolkata.

Dedication and commitment

“2020 has been an unpredictable year, but the commitment of the legal profession to help fight homelessness is certain,” said Law Society President James Cahill.

“The generosity and enthusiasm of the solicitors’ profession will ensure our charity partners can support a number of their ongoing essential projects into 2021,” he added.

Partner charities

Hope Foundation founder and director Maureen Forrest said the first virtual Calcutta Run was a testament to the commitment of the solicitors’ profession to the fight against homelessness.

"The Calcutta Run directly supports our Hive Emergency Response Unit, the Bhorukha Snehneer Home, Kasba girls’ home and our Hope hospital. We thank the Calcutta Run for your continued support,” she said.

“The Calcutta Run is Peter McVerry Trust’s longest-running external partnership and we are delighted to continue our work with them again this year,” said Pat Doyle, CEO of Peter McVerry Trust.

“We appreciate the difficult challenges this year has brought, but with the Calcutta Run’s support we are able to provide new homes across Ireland giving people and families a key to their own door,” he added.