The race to help the needy reached new heights in the course of Calcutta’s biggest road run.
The 2019 edition of Tata Steel Kolkata 25K, partnered by The Telegraph, has raised Rs 98.41 lakh for charity, compared to the Rs 65.35 lakh raised in 2018. The money will go to 36 NGOs working for education, disability, environment conservation and women’s empowerment.
The total sum raised in the six editions is Rs 4.01 crore.
“TSK 25K is a unique platform because it brings so many organisations, working for different causes, under one roof,” Meena Dave, the chief executive officer of India Cares, the philanthropy partner of TSK 25K, said.
“We have groups working for disabled rights, women empowerment, homeless people, education and a host of other issues. All of them are still under the same umbrella. Many NGOs raise funds on their own. The platform is just a facilitator.”
One of the beneficiaries is Iswar Sankalpa, a Kalighat-based NGO that works with more than 200 men and women, all homeless with mental issues. The NGO had brought a team of 14 to take part in the Champions with Disability Run on December 15, race day.
Sponsors and partners after unveiling the Tata Steel Kolkata 25K Charity docket 2019
“This is our first association with TSK 25K. This visibility will be a huge boost in future. Any social outing is a serious challenge for these people. But with so many people around, the music and energy, they seemed to be enjoying,” Nayanika Das, the NGO’s communications official, said.
Another beneficiary is Social Touch, which works for the elderly. “The NGO has raised more than Rs 1.2 lakh in this year’s edition. “We want to build a home for over 50 senior citizens in Santiniketan. This amount will be used in that project,” said Dipak Das, 64, the founder of the NGO.
“Seventeen companies contributed Rs 38 lakh and 444 employees ran for charity this year,” said Dave.
Five running groups from Calcutta and surrounding areas involved their members in raising money.
“TSK 25K is not only a distance running event par excellence but also a sporting platform that inspires individuals to spread joy with their benevolence,” Vivek Singh, joint managing director of Procam International, the organiser of the race, said.
