TCS 10k Marathon raises Rs. 4.5cr for charity

The winning NGOs with Superstar Puneeth Rajkumar at the TCS World 10K Charity Awards

Bengaluru, July 14, 2015: With over 25,000 individuals representing the global running fraternity at the 2015 edition of the Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) World 10 K Bengaluru, over INR 4.5 crores was raised for charity in aid of multiple causes through the efforts of the with Philanthropy Partner India Cares Foundation. The prestigious World 10K continues to be the top charity event in South India, living up to the rich tradition set by world’s leading distance running events.

The eighth edition saw an overall increase of over INR 46 lakhs in terms of money raised, as compared to 2014. With Bengaluru ruling the roost, all the four international distance-running events promoted by Procam International have consistently proved to be significant platforms to raise money for various charitable causes.

The charity announcements were made by Nagaraj Ijari, Vice President and Global Head, Hi-Tech and Professional Services Business Segment, Tata Consultancy Services, Puneeth Rajkumar, Face of the TCS World 10K, along with Vivek Singh, Joint Managing Director, Procam International at a special award function held at the ITC Windsor Manor today to felicitate the leading fundraisers.

Speaking at the occasion Murray Culshaw, Chairperson of India Cares Foundation said "Though there is potential for growth, the event is gaining popularity as the platform where people can contribute or raise funds for any cause of their choice. The TCS World 10K has been able to reach out to almost every cause - be it disability, human rights, environment, animals or education. The system followed is transparent and accountable which builds the trust of the donor, thus NGOs get the support and encouragement to increase awareness of their work and reach out to society. Funds raised through their direct efforts form 16% of the total funds raised. “

“Corporate donations have grown by 9%, with 38 companies fielding 48 teams to various causes. Bengaluru has continued its tradition of giving with the individuals’ donations forming 75% of the funds raised. This edition had 8677 donors showing faith in the organization and cause that they chose to support. The most heartening factor has been involvement from teenagers and youth – 26 were between the ages of 13 and 21 and have been successful in raising more than INR 40 lakhs! ‘Thank you’ to each and every donor, partner and government agency for supporting the Social Sector through the TCS World 10K Bengaluru 2015,” he continued.

Sha Nigar was the top pledge raiser among Care Champions, collecting INR 16.96 lakh, in support of The Association of People with Disability, followed by Akhaya Sagar who raised INR 15.25 lakh for Reaching Hand. But the stand-out contribution was made by thirteen-year-old Siddhant Desai who raised an astonishing INR 15.19 lakh for Shrimad Rajchandra Love and Care.

Corporate fund-raising

Corporates and NGOs at the ceremony

KPMG led the way for fund-raisers among corporate houses, raising INR 27.50 lakh compared to INR 12.25 lakhs last year, to emerge as the highest pledge raising company for two years in a row. Sasken followed suit by raising Rs. 9 lakhs. The team of employees fromShell India raised INR 4.13 lakhs for proVision Asia.

The Corporate Cares category, specially designed for companies who wish to sponsor employee teams to participate in the run and raise funds for charity saw 48 teams from 38 companies come together and raised INR 1,13,19,705 benefitting 21 NGOs this year.

Amongst the NGOs it was Shrimad Rajchandra Love and Care raising INR 62.40 lakh, followed by Association for People with Disability raising INR 42.04 lakhs. ProVision Asia raised a total of INR 40.50 lakhs at the TCS World 10K 2015.

Prarthana Kaul was declared the highest fundraising iCare runner, raising INR 6,93,518 for 14 NGOs. Dilip Jayaram, who participated in the CEO Dash and came third raised INR 5,06,000 lakhs for three causes is the second highest fundraiser amongst iCare runners.

‘Face of the event’ Puneet Rajkumar, who has been a loyal supporter of the run over the years, said, “As a Bengalurean, I am, with every edition of the run, thrilled to see the compassionate side of the city. The running community of Bengaluru has never disappointed when it comes to contributing to causes of the run or participating as runners and volunteers. With the amount raised for charity touching a record figure, I feel proud and privileged to be part of the TCS World 10K, 2015”

In the concluding remarks, Vivek B. Singh, Joint Managing Director of Procam International said “The amounts raised for charity through the run have increased 10-fold since the first edition of the TCS World 10K was organized in 2008 with every edition contributing to significant development of the charity paradigm. The fact that the event has been able to make such a remarkable impact on society, year after year, is a testament to its ability to bring together the spirit of running and compassion towards various causes.”

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Edited by Staff Editor