• Proceeds raised from the Calcutta Run, the annual legal fundraiser to support homelessness causes
• Over €3.6 million through the Calcutta Run since 1998
• Calcutta Run 2018 will mark the 20^th anniversary of the renowned event

Peter McVerry Trust and The Hope Foundation received €110,000 each at a special event hosted at Maples and Calder Offices in Dublin yesterday, supporting their vital work in combatting homelessness in Dublin and Kolkata respectively.

The funds were raised through the Calcutta Run 2017 - the annual legal profession fundraiser that brings diverse members of the Irish legal profession together to focus on raising funds for this worthy cause.

In May over 1,200 members of the profession ran, walked or cycled, with around 80 law firms from across the country represented.

Law Society of Ireland President Stuart Gilhooly presented the cheques to Pat Doyle, CEO, Peter McVerry Trust and Maureen Forrest, CEO, The Hope Foundation.

“This event is truly unique in Ireland – an entire profession voluntarily coming together to support a common goal – to support some of the most vulnerable within our community.”

“Irish lawyers volunteer their time all year round on justice projects both in Ireland and around the world. It is this event, however, that stands out as truly remarkable in its capacity to motivate and move an entire profession around a singular goal. It is the legal professions event, and one of which we are very proud.”

Also speaking at the presentation, Maples and Calder Managing Partner Nick Butcher said:

"On behalf of the Maples group and all those who generously donated to and participated in the Calcutta Run, I am delighted to present these cheques to the Peter McVerry Trust and The Hope Foundation, two incredibly important charities who have a powerful impact on the lives of people here in Ireland and abroad.”

“Corporate Social Responsibility is very important to us here at Maples. It not only means we can make a difference to worthy charities, it also gives us an opportunity to increase the value of the engagement of our people through fun and rewarding activities such as the Calcutta Run. We look forward to taking part in many more events like this”, added Mr Butcher.

Pat Doyle, CEO of Peter McVerry Trust, thanked the Calcutta Run for its long standing commitment to the issue of homelessness in Ireland:

“Peter McVerry Trust would like to acknowledge and thank all those who are involved and contribute to the success of Calcutta Run. The event has been a longstanding partner to us and major source of funding in our efforts to respond to homelessness. At a time of unprecedented levels of homelessness across Ireland we are extremely grateful for the continued support.”

Maureen Forrest, Founder and Director of The Hope Foundation, said:

"We are so delighted, grateful and honoured to have been chosen as a charity partner. What the legal profession has achieved together over the past 19 years is a testament to the power of collaboration, commitment and dedication. Both HOPE and Peter McVerry Trust have made a lifelong commitment to eradicating extreme poverty and homelessness. The funding from the Calcutta Run will continue to help human beings in dire circumstances who would not otherwise dare allow themselves to hope for a brighter future."

The Calcutta Run began in 1998, and it has grown in stature over the past 19 years, raising more than €3.6 million to date. In May 2018 the Calcutta Run will hold its 20^th anniversary event.

Return to previous press releases