Nashik Run likely to generate Rs 80 lakh

The 'Nashik Run: 2007', which will be held in the city on January 13, is expected to generate a charity fund worth Rs 80 lakh. Around 15,000 participants are expected to participate in the event, which is being held every year on the second Saturday of January.

The event is being organised by the Nashik Run Charitable Trust (NRCT), founded by three major companies, Motor Industries Co Ltd (MICO), EPCOS India and Thyssenkrup.

The fund generated would be utilised for helping the marginalised sections of the society. This year, the 5-km run would start from Mahatma Nagar Cricket ground here.

"Funds would be collected as donations and sponsorships from various corporates and participants who register for the run. Each of the registered participants would get a 'Nashik Run' T shirt. The amount collected would be directed towards funding and promoting various projects for the benefit of the deprived sections of the society. The uniqueness of the Nashik Run is that not a single paisa is being spent as administrative cost," said Subbu Hegde, chairman, Nashik Run Charitable Trust, and GM (Commercial),MICO.

"Last year, we collected Rs 80 lakh, and this year too, we expect to generate a fund worth the same amount," he added.

"The implementation of the projects that would be funded by the event, would be monitored by volunteers. The amount would also be utilised for funding various long term projects undertaken by NGOs and charitable organisations for the benefit of the underprivileged in and around the city," said N Balkrishnan, trustee of the Nashik Run Charitable Trust, and managing director of EPCOS India.

Last year, the fund was utilised for a lift irrigation project for Adivasis of Ekdare Pada, construction of toilet blocks at Sherpada near Devargaon, providing financial support to Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram for construction of toilet blocks and electrification at Guhi in Surgana tahasil, developing transport facility for mentally and physically challenged children of Rusy Irani Centre in Deolali Camp, funding Maharashtra Samaj Seva Sangh for construction of a girls hostel building at Waghera in Peth tahasil, and providing support to Vanvasi Durbal Ghatak Seva Prakalp for construction of a boys hostel at Ghoti in Igatpuri tahasil, among others.