Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon 2016 breaks charity records

Mumbai, 12th January 2016: Over the trajectory of 13 years, the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon has carved a niche for itself in the country. Not solely for the fact that it is the country’s biggest sporting extravaganza, but also because it is an event with a social conscience.

Over the years, the charity drive associated with the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon has seen phenomenal growth and the event now stands unsurpassed and unchallenged as the country’s largest sporting platform for charity.

The event has helped to raise more than Rs. 150 Crores towards charity in the last 13 years, benefitting hundreds of NGOs and touching the lives of countless individuals. What began as a novel and unique concept in 2004 has been embraced by people from all walks of life who, in their way, have made enormous efforts to raise money for charity.

The figures raised for charity through the event have seen a meteoric rise, from Rs. 1.44 crore in 2004 to Rs. 24.71 Crores in 2015.

This year, through the 13th edition of the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon, United Way of Mumbai, the event’s philanthropy partner, expects the figure raised for charity to cross Rs. 25 crores. So far, funds have been collected for 287 NGOs with the support of 157 companies, who are fielding 266 teams. United Way Mumbai serves as the cause-neutral, credible charity facilitator for the event.

Speaking about the philanthropic drive of the marathon, Vivek Singh, Jt. MD, Procam International, says, “It has been an incredible journey, thus far. We are glad that through the marathon we were able to awaken not only a passion for running but also to run for a cause. We hope that with each coming year the event grows in the contribution we make to society.”

Jayanti Shukla, Executive Director, United Way of Mumbai said, “United Way Mumbai is the official philanthropy partner of the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon 2016 and, as a facilitator; we are constantly reminded of the generosity of people during marathon time. The response that we have got from the corporate sector as well as individuals in supporting various NGOs has been overwhelming as usual, and it is immensely gratifying to see that they are running the marathon to bring about significant change in the community.

Mr. Dharmesh S Jain, Chairman, Nirmal Lifestyles yet again tops the list of individual fundraisers along with Shri Anand Mahindra and Ms. Villy Doctor. This year we also have Young Leaders to encourage young, thriving minds and channel their enthusiasm in pursuit of social good through the medium of the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon fundraising platform”.

Here are some of the fundraisers who have made a huge difference:

Young Leaders

This year, Shrimad Rajchandra Love and Care, Light of Life Trust, Habitat for Humanity, Urban Health Research Center and Nargis Dutt Foundation are the NGOs for which 94 young leaders have chosen to run, proving that age can never be a factor that decides where your dreams will take you. These are children and adults below 21 years old who have raised a minimum of Rs. 50,000 each for education and health.

Young Leader in focus:

Meera Mehta:

Meera Mehta has been a regular at the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon, first as the youngest dream maker, now as an inspiration to many like her. She is raising funds for a Science college in rural Gujarat so that the less privileged from the rural areas will have access to quality education.

Change Runners in focus:

The Change Champion: Villy Doctor for Light of Life Trust

Villy Doctor, Founder Trustee, Light of Life Trust, has not only raised funds of over Rs. 30,00,000 for the Light of Life Trust, but has also been a motivational leader in the sphere of the marathon. She believes firmly in helping spread the light of education among the youth of the country. In keeping with this sentiment, she, along with her team has also motivated a large group of 29 Young Leaders to join in and contribute towards the good work that the NGO has been involved in.

Highest Individual Fundraiser – Dharmesh Jain:

Dharmesh Jain, Chairman, Nirmal Lifestyles, has been steadfastly raising funds for the “ANYBODY CAN JUMP” initiative of the Care Foundation for the last two years. He has consistently been the highest individual fundraiser, with the enthusiasm and deep passion to make a significant change in the community. This year, running in his second marathon, he is geared up to beat his record and gain prominence as the Change Icon once again.

Raja Sudan and Rajkumar Sudan for Isha Vidhya:

The father and son duo of Raja and Rajkumar Sudan have been unwavering in their dedication to raising funds for Isha Vidhya. Raja Sudan has been running the Half Marathon for the past seven years and says that this will be his last year running in this category. His belief that “It always seems impossible, until it’s done…” showcases his will to bring change in the community against all odds.

Dr. Akil Taher for Bombay Medical Aid Foundation:

Dr. Akil Taher underwent bypass heart surgery six years ago and decided to focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. In the six years since his surgery he has run the prestigious Chicago and Boston marathons, triathlons, climbed Mt Kilimanjaro and completed the Mt Kailash/Mansarovar Yatra on foot. His indomitable spirit extends to ensuring that support is provided to the Bombay Medical Aid Foundation, whom he will be representing this year, in his last Full Marathon.

Priya Dutt for Nargis Dutt Foundation:

Priya Dutt’s passion for promoting the cause of education in Sonave, a tribal village near Palghar has led her to raise funds for the Nargis Dutt Foundation through SCMM 2016. Her desire to help the children of this village stems from observing their indomitable spirit in the face of adversity. Despite having little resources, the children are motivated to study and excel in life. Priya is raising funds through the marathon to build computer labs and equip the schools with an e-learning system.

Farah Khan Ali:

Renowned gemologist, Farah Khan Ali is a philanthropist at heart and is working actively with Swades Foundation to raise funds in making developing rural communities. Helping the less fortunate is a passion for her and she does this wholeheartedly. She is known for using social media for raising awareness and supporting causes, sometimes very privately.

Corporate in focus:

Godrej:

Godrej has been consistently raising funds through the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon, with their organized processes. Their new Privilege Leave (PL) Policy, by which employees donate their PLs, whereby their salary for a designated number of PLs is donated to an NGO of their choice, is a wonderful way to get all their employees involved in the spirit of giving.

Nirmal Lifestyle:

Nirmal Lifestyle has imbibed corporate philanthropy in the DNA of their organization. Their enthusiasm has permeated all the employees of Nirmal Lifestyle as well. By raising funds themselves, they have created a culture of giving by which the employees of the organisation are encouraged to contribute as well.

NGOs in focus:

Umang Foundation:

Umang Foundation is a charity foundation working to further the cause of underprivileged kids. They have been honoured with a place in the Limca Book of Records for organizing the biggest stationery drive for underprivileged children, the funding for which was raised through the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon.

Ra Foundation:

The Ra Happy Kids Program enables young and less privileged children to develop their potential by supporting them with qualitative and holistic education, impacting their intellectual, emotional and physical wellbeing.

Case Study: Amuda Naidu has been part of Ra Foundation's Happy Kids Program since 2008 and this year, she has decided to participate in the Dream Run in support of other kids and also started raising funds as she is keen to see many more children get the opportunity she got with Ra Foundation. She will be running the Dream Run at the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon in January 2016.

Save the Children India:

Through its various initiatives, Save the Children India has been transforming the lives of lakhs of women and children. The plethora of projects, such as education, livelihood, health, anti-human trafficking and women empowerment that fall under the Save the Children India umbrella symbolize a bold and sustained effort towards a better world.

Case Study: Save the Children India’s continued efforts have produced individuals of excellence, such as Vipul Jain. Vipul, specially-abled himself, ran the Mumbai Marathon in 2013 to raise awareness about the potential of special children. Two years later, he was ready to participate in an international sports competition, representing India and winning a gold medal in softball. This time, Vipul is running the Marathon in January 2016, not for himself, but for his best friend, so that he too may get the opportunity to realize his full potential in sports.

The Society for Door Step School:

The Door Step School works towards promoting education and imparting literacy skills among children from urban slum communities of Mumbai and Pune. Through direct intervention in communities and corporation schools, the organisation reaches out to more than 100,000 children annually.

Case Study: Rehmuddin, who hailed from the urban slums of Cuffe Parade, could not afford school and was taken under the wings of the Door Step School, where he received primary education and, upon passing, extra training for life skills as well as football coaching, as he was interested in sports. He later coached football and rugby teams and is currently ready to appear for his IPS exams. By raising funds through the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon, the Door Step School hopes to be able to make many more such children successful in life.

United Way Mumbai is a premier non-profit organization that endeavours to leverage corporate, employee and leadership talent for community development. Through corporate gifts and employee giving campaigns, United Way Mumbai seeks to successfully engage the corporate sector into meaningful social responsibility structures bringing about a positive and lasting change in communities.

United Way Mumbai is part of the 128 year old United Way worldwide movement of nearly 1,800 community-based United Ways in 41 countries and territories. The United Way movement mobilizes millions to Give, Advocate and Volunteer to improve conditions in their communities

In its role as the charity partner iit brings together charities, corporates and individuals through a credible platform for giving. Each participating NGO undergoes a background due diligence process.