NEW DELHI (India CSR): The 19th edition of the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon witnessed a massive philanthropic drive, with INR 3 crore raised by more than 78 NGOs, individual fundraisers, and corporate donors. The event, known for promoting social causes, has grown into one of India’s premier platforms for charity. Organized with United Way Delhi as the philanthropy partner, the funds support various Sustainable Development Goals, including child development, healthcare, education, and livelihood generation.
Record-Breaking Fundraising
This year’s event saw an impressive increase in funds raised, almost doubling last year’s total. The INR 3 crore raised came from over 80 individual fundraisers, 12 corporates, and thousands of donors. Since its inception in 2005, the marathon has raised over INR 81.21 crore, positively impacting millions of lives.
Donations remain open until October 31, 2024, with NGOs continuing to receive support from the community.
Empowering Women and Addressing Key Social Issues
The marathon has supported diverse causes such as cancer care, organ transplantation, disability support, and rural development. This year, one highlight was Vedanta’s #RunForZeroHunger campaign, which pledged a nutritious meal for every kilometer run. This initiative aims to provide 10 million meals to underprivileged children through Vedanta’s Nand Ghar project.
Reflections on the Success of the Event
Rina Kaushal, Chairperson of United Way Delhi, remarked, “This year’s philanthropy drive has been an extraordinary collective effort. We are deeply grateful to our partners, fundraisers, and donors for their contributions in supporting critical social development goals.”
Vivek Singh, Joint MD of Procam International, added, “It is humbling to see so many citizens come together for the greater good. Congratulations to all fundraisers for ensuring the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon continues to make a meaningful impact on the social sector.”
Top Fundraisers and Notable Contributions
Several standout fundraisers made significant contributions. For instance, Deepak Sharma raised INR 16.6 lakh for Udayan Care, while Anil Chawla garnered INR 5.37 lakh for Vipla Foundation. Notably, 16-year-old Jason Joshua Moses raised over INR 2.24 lakh to support organ donation through the Mohan Foundation.
The top three fundraising NGOs this year were Etasha Society (INR 70.22 lakh), United Way Delhi (INR 62.6 lakh), and Udayan Care (INR 20.83 lakh), supporting causes such as youth empowerment and mental health.
This year’s Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon stands as a testament to the power of collective action and philanthropy, with its growing impact on communities across India.
