2023 is HOPE’s 7th year as a charity partner of The Calcutta Run. Now celebrating it’s 25th year, the Legal Fundraiser has raised €5 million in that time.
The fundraiser was originally the idea of Eoin MacNeill and Joe Kelly of A&L Goodbody. In January 1999, Eoin and Joe approached the Law Society to explore ways of bringing the legal profession together to create an annual fundraising event to support homeless children in Ireland and in Calcutta. They met with Ken Murphy, who introduced them to Cillian MacDomhnaill and the idea of Calcutta Run was born! Eoin, Joe and Cillian are still centrally involved in the Calcutta Run today.
Spurred by the success of the inaugural run in 1999, the event has grown from strength to strength and now accommodates walkers, runners as well as golfers and Tag rugby players with events taking place in Dublin and Cork!
Following two incredible virtual editions in 2020 and 2021, Calcutta Run came back last year in person – and in force! Over 1,200 people took part in the run, raising an incredible €270,000. This year’s event takes place on 27 May and the aim is to raise €400,000 for The Hope Foundation and Peter McVerry Trust. It’s an ambitious target but with extra effort from all the firms and individuals involved, they think they can do it and we’re sure they can!
The significant funds from the run go to support three of HOPE’s projects: Bhorukha Snehneer Residential Child Care Centre, Ashar Alo Residential Child Care Centre and the Emergency Response Unit in Kolkata.
During the course of the partnership, members of the Calcutta Run organising committee have traveled to Kolkata to visit these projects and have seen first-hand how the funds are used.
Volunteer Opportunities
We are looking for volunteers for marshalling and stewarding who will act as the “face” of the Calcutta Run, encouraging participants along the route, ensuring their safety, and providing direction. Volunteers will also distribute drinks to participants along the route at water stations.
Volunteers will be provided with hi vis branded bibs and will be given a safety briefing on the morning of the run at the starting point at Law Society of Ireland, Blackhall Place, Arran Quay, Dublin 7. You must be available from either 8 am to 11am, 11 am to 1 pm, or 8 am to 1 pm on Sat 27 May.
Being a steward means you could be asked to take on a variety of roles. Above all, it means being the eyes and ears of the festival – being alert, friendly and attentive at all times, and able to report any safety issues that may occur.
Volunteers will be free to enjoy the festivities after their shift!
Volunteers must be over 18 years of age.
If you would like to volunteer please complete the short form below and we will be in touch! Thank you.
The Cork Run
28 May, Blackrock, Cork
The Cork run takes place again this year! We would encourage all members of the legal community in Cork to take part, with their staff, families and friends (including their 4 legged ones!) and support the event, making it a fun day out for all, while supporting a very worthwhile cause.
All money raised in Cork will be divided between HOPE and SHARE, a Cork-based charity providing housing and other support for the elderly poor. There is no registration fee, so please try your best to raise as much sponsorship as possible! Receive a goodie bag and a technical t-shirt as our way of saying thank you!
Bib collection and late registration will take place from 9am to 10:15am at the Blackrock National Hurling Club, Church Road, Blackrock. There are changing facilities and ample parking available. Participants will walk from there to the start and finish line. Refreshments will be available in Blackrock National Hurling Club after the event.