TCS World 10K Bengaluru Marathon Generates Over Rs 5 Crore for Charity Ahead of April 26 Event
The TCS World 10K, scheduled for April 26 in Bengaluru, has already achieved a remarkable fundraising milestone, collecting over Rs 5 crore to support close to 100 non-governmental organizations (NGOs). This pre-event surge underscores the growing community engagement and philanthropic spirit surrounding the annual marathon.
Top Fundraisers and NGO Leaders
Leading the charge is the GoSports Foundation, which has secured an impressive Rs 81.9 lakh to support athletic development. Following closely are Right To Live and United Way Bengaluru, both raising over Rs 38 lakh each, focusing on education and poverty alleviation respectively.
In the healthcare sector, the Neonates Foundation of India (NFI) has raised Rs 33.6 lakh, while the Bangalore Kidney Foundation (BKF) follows with Rs 29.5 lakh. The education category sees Child Rights and You (CRY) at the forefront with Rs 23.1 lakh.
Corporate and Community Contributions
Corporate participation has been significant, with ASM Technologies raising Rs 74.1 lakh in support of GoSports. Among run clubs, JJ Runners contributed Rs 6.5 lakh for multiple causes, demonstrating grassroots involvement.
Inspiring Individual Fundraisers
Individual efforts have also shone brightly. Usha Baliga emerged as the top athlete fundraiser, raising Rs 29 lakh for BKF. Reflecting on the growth, she noted, "In 2009, my first event raised around Rs 50,000 with hardly 20 individual fundraisers. Now, we have over 250 individuals participating."
Other notable fundraisers include Siddharth, an 11-year-old animal lover who pooled Rs 1 lakh for the Charlie Animal Rescue Centre (CARE), and Idiculla Markose, a visually impaired individual who raised funds for elder care through the Samara Foundation. Markose emphasized, "Spending time with elders brings purpose to my life, highlighting the growing need for care as people live longer."
Comprehensive Fundraising Leaderboard
The fundraising efforts span various categories, showcasing a diverse range of causes:
- Top NGOs: GoSports Foundation (Rs 81.9 lakh), Right To Live and United Way Bengaluru (both Rs 38 lakh).
- Healthcare: Neonates Foundation of India (Rs 33.6 lakh), Bangalore Kidney Foundation (Rs 29.5 lakh).
- Education: CRY (Rs 23.1 lakh), Reaching Hand (Rs 22.4 lakh), Gubbachi (Rs 15.8 lakh).
- Corporates: ASM Technologies (Rs 74.1 lakh), OpenText (Rs 25.6 lakh), AtkinsRéalis (Rs 25 lakh).
- Institutions: JJ Runners (Rs 6.5 lakh).
- Individuals: Usha Baliga (Rs 29 lakh), Radha & Partha (Rs 10.3 lakh each for We Live Foundation), and Luke Nina (Rs 9.9 lakh).
This year's TCS World 10K not only promotes fitness but also fosters a culture of giving, with funds directed towards critical areas like healthcare, education, and animal welfare. The event continues to inspire both collective and individual contributions, setting a high benchmark for charitable marathons in India.
