Calcutta Run set to hit €4 million mark on its 20th anniversary

This year’s Calcutta Run legal fundraiser has set a fundraising target of €300,000 to bring its 20-year total to €4 million.

The fundraiser, which brings together legal professionals from across the country and is supported by the Law Society of Ireland, raises cash for the Peter McVerry Trust and The Hope Foundation, which help to reduce homelessness in Ireland and in India.

Up to 1,500 participants will take part in the run on 26 May, undertaking a five-kilometre or ten-kilometre route via the Phoenix Park in Dublin, with an alternative cycling route available in Cork.

This year’s Calcutta Run was officially launched at an event in the Dublin offices of Mason Hayes & Curran yesterday.

Michael Quinlan, president of the Law Society of Ireland, said: “This is a very special year for the Calcutta Run as we celebrate its 20th anniversary. Recent weather events have highlighted the vital work those on the front line do to assist those in homelessness and the profession is delighted to help contribute to that effort.”

Pat Doyle, CEO of the Peter McVerry Trust, said: “The Calcutta Run is a fantastic initiative and we are delighted to have a long standing relationship with the event now in its 20th year. The Calcutta Run has made a huge contribution to the work of the Peter McVerry Trust over the years and our ability to respond to people experiencing homelessness in Ireland.”

Maureen Forrest, founder and director of the Hope Foundation, said: “We are delighted to continue our partnership with The Calcutta Run this year. The Calcutta Run is making an incredible difference to the children with whom we work with in Kolkata. This year on the 20th anniversary of such an extraordinary event, we have an opportunity to send a message to this extremely vulnerable group of children that we are listening.”

Declan Black, managing partner at Mason Hayes & Curran, added: “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.”