Tata Steel Kolkata 25K ignites a passion for fund-raising 65.35 lakh raised; Over 3 crores raised since 2014

At the TSK 25K 2018-Philanthropy Award Night (L to R), Dilip Jayaram-CEO, Procam International, Prashanta Saha-Procam International, Alokananda Roy- Dancer & Social Reformist, Suparna Mukherjee-Mrs India Asia Pacific 2018, Debasish Kumar –MMIC, Sports, Parks and Advertisements, KMC, Kolkata, Enrico Piperno – Co-founder, Procam International, Murray Culshaw, Chairperson and Founder, India Cares Foundation, Meena Dave-CEO, India Cares, Sumit Joshi – GM, The Oberoi Grand, Kolkata, Vivek Singh-Jt. MD, Procam International & Kamal Maitra-Secretary, West Bengal Athletic Association.

Tata Steel Kolkata 25K (TSK 25K), in only its fifth edition, has firmly cemented its position as the only IAAF accredited 25K in the world.  In addition to sparking a running movement in the East of India, the event has successfully ignited a passion for fund-raising among the citizens with the help of its new Philanthropy Partner, India Cares Foundation. 14,000 spirited souls, on a chilly December morning, ensured that the 2018 edition of the event raised INR 65.35 lakhs in funds, a 27% increase over last year.

With their commitment and experience of a decade in supporting Civil Society Organisations – CSOs (NGOs) to utilise the running platform to raise awareness for causes, engage with the Society and raise necessary funds, India Cares worked with 36 CSOs, 12 Corporates’, 36 individuals and 3 runner groups to help raise funds for various causes including Education, Human Rights, Disability, Women Empowerment, Health & Environmental Conservation.

For Corporate Companies, this platform provided an opportunity for its employees to engage with the CSR mission of the company while promoting health and fitness. 12 companies fielded 345 employees running for various causes and contributed INR 27.50 lakh. There has been a  shift in individual giving at TSK 25K.  559 individuals contributed INR 36 lakh shifting the individual giving ratio to 58% for the first time.

“What we found very encouraging was the willingness of CSOs to learn and implement the guidance provided by India Cares. CSOs acknowledged that a platform of this kind is vital for the eastern region of our country since the platform is open to all government registered charitable organisations. A promising start in our association with TSK 25K has been made; and we thank the event sponsors, every donor, fundraiser, company who contributed. We also have very much appreciated the support provided by the event promoters, Procam International who helped us find feet in the different and very special ‘world’ that is Kolkata!”  – Murray Culshaw, Chairperson, India Cares

Cumulatively, TSK 25K has now raised over INR 3 crores, since inception.

Concluding the fifth edition of the event, Vivek Singh, Jt. MD., Procam International, said, “After witnessing the overwhelming response and display of sheer passion of over 14,000 running enthusiasts, we can confidently say the East of India has embraced the magic of running. Distance Running and Philanthropy have a deep connection and slowly but surely, the City of Joy is opening its hearts towards fund-raising. This edition was truly special, our sincere gratitude to the Eastern Command for their support, the encouragement from the state authorities, faith of our sponsors and the enthusiasm of our runners, has helped the event grow leaps and bounds. This is what drives us to keep providing a world-class running experience.”

ART FOR SPORT: This unique initiative received a tremendous boost as The Oberoi Grand, Event’s Hospitality Partner, opened its hallowed corridors to Art for Sport. Paintings by over 25 acclaimed artists including Washim Kapoor, Debashish Mullick Chowdhury, Anjan Bhattacharya, Vani Chawla, Shubla Verma, Rintu Roy Chowdhury, Usha Ranjan Mondal, Pranab Roy, Madhumita, Bappa Halder, Nabanita Guha among others were showcased at the Oberoi Grand. INR 2.06 lakh was raised through the sale of six paintings which will help to strengthen the participating CSOs.

The TSK 25K platform provided a bridge for everyone to associate with a cause close to their heart and connect with a Civil Society Organisation (CSO/ NGO) working on the cause with set processes and system to promote transparency of participating CSOs and accountability of funds raised.

2018 WINNERS ACROSS DIFFERENT CATEGORIES

Top 3 fund raising CSOs         

• Tata Medical Centre – INR 13,05,000/-
• Shrimad Rajchandra Love and Care – INR 10,23,601/-
• Calcutta Rescue – INR 7,13,700/-

Care Champions         

• Highest fund-raising Care Champion Gold: Anuradha Kapoor for Swayam – INR 5,63,493/-
• Highest fund-raising Care Champion Silver: Dimple Kapoor for Shrimad Rajchandra Love and Care – INR 2,48,500/-

Corporate Cares

• Highest Corporate Contribution – Bajaj Electricals – INR 5,00,000/-

iCare   

• Jayendra Shah for Shrimad Rajchandra Love and Care – INR 4,56,000/-
• Tina Desai for Shrimad Rajchandra Love and Care – INR 1,42,500/