Maples and Calder host Calcutta Run charity cash hand-over

The funds were raised through the Calcutta Run 2017, the annual legal profession fundraiser that brought together over 1,200 members of the profession from around 80 law firms this May.

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

Mr Gilhooly said: “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.”

Speaking at the event, Nick Butcher, managing partner of Maples and Calder, added: “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.”

Speaking for the Peter McVerry Trust, Mr Doyle thanked “all those who are involved and contribute to the success of Calcutta Run” at a time of “unprecedented levels of homelessness across Ireland”.

Ms Forrest added: “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 has grown in stature over the past 19 years, raising more than €3.6 million to date.