Calcutta Run aims to raise €200,000 this year

The Calcutta Run, the legal profession’s annual charity fundraiser, has set a fundraising target of €200,000 this year.

The fundraising target for the Run - which raises cash to combat homelessness in Ireland and abroad - was announced at a launch event in Matheson’s offices.

To date, the Calcutta Run has raised €3.3 million for Peter McVerry Trust and its charity partner in Kolkata (formerly Calcutta).

The Run is organised and supported by the Law Society of Ireland, as well as solicitors and legal firms nationwide.

Stuart Gilhooly, president of the Law Society, said: “We are very proud to see the Calcutta Run still going strong in its 19th year. At a time when homelessness figures are on the rise, it is important that we in the solicitors’ profession combine our resources towards creating a positive change.”

Pat Doyle, CEO of the Peter McVerry Trust, who also attended the launch, said, “The Calcutta Run is a fantastic initiative and makes an important contribution to the work of Peter McVerry Trust in supporting people experiencing homelessness in Ireland.”

Tim Scanlon, partner and head of corporate at Matheson, said: “We were pleased to host the launch of the 2017 Calcutta Run in our office. Our firm has a long history of involvement and support of this event since its inception 19 years ago and we will be encouraging our colleagues to get behind the Calcutta Run in the coming months.”

The Calcutta Run takes place on Saturday, 20 May, at Blackhall Place. It is sponsored by Bank of Ireland and DX Ireland, and supported by the Institute of Legal Cost Accountants, Icon Health Group, Pearl Group, and the Panel Search and Selection.

Both 10km and 5km routes are available, beginning at Blackhall Place and continuing on to Phoenix Park. The finish line is back at Blackhall Place where participants can relax and enjoy the “Finish Line Festival” including a barbecue, entertainment and kids activities.