TCS World 10K Bengaluru raises Rs59.8m for charity

BENGALURU: The Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) World 10K 2019, the world’s premier IAAF Gold Label 10K race held in May, raised an impressive Rs 59.8 million for charity, organisers Procam International announced Friday.

The event’s philanthropy partner India Cares Foundation continued its legacy as one of the largest fundraising platforms in India, by raising Rs 451.6 million since the inception of the race in 2008.

With over 24,000 people taking to the streets of Bengaluru in this edition, 57 civil society organisations (CSOs) benefitted from funds raised by runners and individuals from all walks of life, in support of children's education, women's empowerment, mobility aids for the disabled, afforestation, water conversation and support for the elderly, among other causes.

Speaking at the occasion on Thursday, Nagraj Ijari, vice president & head Bengaluru Operations at Tata Consultancy Services, said:  “TCS World 10K is like a festival in Bangalore. After one person from the family starts running, everyone else joins to run. This initiative has brought families to walk together, run together. It is creating a community. Another pillar of TCS World 10K is philanthropy, 57 organisations run 365 days a year to collect money to support others. We are celebrating those champions. We need more champions like this. Thank you all NGOs in contributing, next year will be bigger and better.”

Funds raised through individual fundraisers irrespective of social and economic demographics have impacted CSO’s across the country. 41% funds raised towards education causes followed by 36% for disability.

“Over the years, the civil society organisations - CSOs/ NGOs that have taken this platform seriously have raised significant sums of funds for their work, built their visibility in Society and increased their donor base. We know that like running, this philanthropy platform is empowering and, can change many more lives! A sporting event that is so rounded is an exception. We are honoured to be a part of this and extend our thanks to every individual involved. Our deepest wish is for many more CSOs to understand and utilise the platform to the fullest and more people to know the difference they can make!” said Murray Culshaw, chairperson, India Cares Foundation.

KEY MILESTONES FOR THIS YEAR:
    12 organisations have raised INR 1 million+.
    In the Care Champions category, 13 school students, individually raised Rs 50,000 for Habitat For Humanity to help more children have homes and get education
    Amongst the top corporate contributors Western Digital Company has contributed Rs 3 million and First American India contributed Rs 2.7 million, with the total contributed by companies being Rs 13.4 million
    The event platform is not just about funds raised; Sangama working with LGBT community and young girls of CherYsh Trust who are, national level footballers from rural areas, used the event to promote awareness about their work and achievements

IMPACT 2018:
The 2018 edition witnessed the Maharaja of Mysore’support to a proactive 8-year-old, to numerous socially conscious citizens acting as agents of change and using the platform for philanthropy.

Education and disability (empowerment) came to the fore with the funds raised in 2018. Programs to educate children, keep them in school (with health & sanitation measures), after school activities and libraries impacted around 34,000 young individuals. Mobility aids, wheelchair provision, therapies and a much-needed answer to “Who, after me?” with action for a residential facility for intellectually impaired, have been provided at the other end of the spectrum.

Number Game: Rs 52.9 million raised in the 2018 edition, helped 227 women get livelihood support; 319 intellectually impaired get, education, therapy, counselling, livelihood training ; 533 physically challenged get mobility aids, wheelchairs, education, vocational training and job placements, health checkups; 822 people on health issues like cancer, HIV; general health check-up and awareness camps, hospice care; educate around 34,000 children; and 80 elders whose 3 months of stay, food and medicines got sponsored! Innovative environmental impact was set in motion with 3,000 saplings planted using a Japanese method to create a 100 year-like forest, rich with fauna and flora within 15 years.

Vivek Singh, joint managing director, Procam International, said: “It fills our heart with great pride and gratitude to acknowledge the generosity shown by the citizens in Bengaluru. Every year, the people of this city have taken up a cause that is dear to them and have raised funds for what they believe requires attention and monetary support. The TCS World 10K continues to invoke the philanthropic spirit in people and remains a platform that supports scores of people through philanthropic perseverance. This has been possible mainly due to the efforts of our partners, India Cares Foundation who have collectively mobilized Corporates, CSO’s and the runners of the city to contribute to the numerous causes that are associated with the run.”


WINNERS ACROSS DIFFERENT CATEGORIES:
CSOs:
    Highest Fundraising CSO: Isha Education – Rs 7,964,108/-          
    Second Highest Fundraising CSO: proVision Asia – Rs 5,548,664/-
    Third Highest Fundraising CSO: Vidyasagar - Rs 4,590,004/-        

CORPORATE CARES:
    Highest Contributing Company: Western Digital Company - Rs 3,000,000/-
    Second Highest Contributing Company: First American India - Rs 2,700,000/-

INDIVIDUAL - CARE CHAMPIONS:
    Highest Fundraising Individual Care Champion Platinum (Individuals committed to raise a minimum of Rs 1 million)

Dwarka Pandurangi for Vidyasagar Rs 4,600,004/-

    Highest Fundraising Individual Care Champion Diamond (Individuals committed to raise a minimum of Rs 500,000)

Pramila Desai for Shrimad Rajchandra Love and Care Rs 1,877,592/-

    Highest Fundraising Individual Care Champion Gold (Individuals committed to raise a minimum of Rs 250,000)

Sameer Mehta for Shrimad Rajchandra Love and Care Rs 377,110/-

    Highest Fundraising Individual Care Champion Silver (Individuals committed to raise a minimum of Rs 100,000)

Julie Ajmera for Shrimad Rajchandra Love and Care Rs 282,000/-

    Highest Fundraising Individual Millennial Champion (Individuals committed to raise a minimum of Rs 50,000)

Vishnu B Kashyap for Habitat for Humanity India     Rs 104,610/-

ICARE: (Individuals who decide to do the best they can)

    Highest Individual Fundraiser: S.Sankara Raman for Amar Seva Sangam Rs 2,008,804/-
    Second Highest Individual Fundraiser: Sudhir Pai for Isha Education Rs 827,402/-