Over 1,100 legal professionals will run, walk or cycle to fight homelessness in Dublin and Kolkata

On Saturday 18 May 2019 the Calcutta Run - the Legal Fundraiser celebrates its 21st year. The event will see over 1,100 legal professionals walk, run or cycle to help fight homelessness in Dublin and Kolkata.

The Calcutta Run includes a 5km and 10km course, which starts and finishes in Blackhall Place, winding its way through the Phoenix Park via the surrounding streets of Dublin 7.

Organised by the Law Society of Ireland, the Calcutta Run has set a fundraising target of €300,000 for 2019. Funds will benefit its partner charities, The Hope Foundation and Peter McVerry Trust. Last year the Calcutta Run raised over €300,000, bringing the total amount raised to €4million over 20 years.

Running in this year’s event is charity ambassador Gavin Duffy, while Virgin Media One’s Deric O'hArtagáin, Olympic swimmer Gary O’Toole and sports journalist Paul Kimmage will take part in the cycle event.

President of the Law Society and long-time patron of the event Patrick Dorgan will also participate in the cycle. “We are proud to be able to support the Calcutta Run as it turns 21 this year,” he said.

“Unfortunately, the issue of homelessness is more prominent now than ever. When we started this fundraiser in 1999, we could not predict how the issue of homelessness would evolve and change over the years.”

Projects in Dublin and Kolkata

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 in Kolkata.”

"What the solicitors’ profession has achieved together over the past 20 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,”

Pat Doyle, CEO of 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 21st 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 and provide solutions to the needs of people to people experiencing homelessness in Ireland.”

“We would like to offer a huge thank you to everyone who has supported and taken part in the Calcutta Run over the years,” said Mr Doyle.

Fighting homelessness

The Calcutta Run funds are divided equally between the charities and go towards vital projects, including The Hope Foundation’s Hive Emergency Response Unit and Bhorukha Home, and funding supplies and supports for the Peter McVerry Trust.

“The Calcutta Run funds specific projects each year such as detox programmes, emergency response units and sheltered accommodation in Kolkata as well as directly supporting individuals and families in need in Dublin,” said Mr Dorgan.

“The work done by The Hope Foundation and Peter McVerry Trust is inspiring. The legal profession is committed to helping fight homelessness now and into the future,” he said.

Event day

Over the last 21 years, the event has evolved to include soccer and tennis tournaments. Post-run, participants can celebrate at the Finish Line Festival with a free BBQ, bar, Teddy’s ice-cream, a DJ and kids’ activities on the grounds of Blackhall Place, and more.

A satellite event will also take place in Cork on Sunday 19 May with funds raised there going towards SHARE and The Hope Foundation.

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