PROJECT SUMMARY

I turned 50 years old this month (March 2023). Last year, when my good
friend, Xavier, completed a full Ironman, it inspired me to challenge myself in
my big birthday milestone year. Xavier spiced up the challenge by offering to
sponsor me to run the Paris marathon. We run together in Paris on 2nd April
2023 - for the organisation we both love, and the beneficiaries we serve at
Calcutta Rescue (CR).

Of course training has been hard in the heat, humidity and pollution of Kolkata. At one point, I thought I might not be able to participate at all - after an injury in January which stopped me from training for a month. My Dad also became very sick and was in hospital for over 2 weeks. He is better now, and I have his blessing to run in Paris.

Being the CEO of Calcutta Rescue, I witness hardship and suffering, on a
daily basis, that I still am unable to fully process and comprehend. However,
as a practitioner at CR, my team and I know how to execute interventions that
not only reduce suffering but actually create opportunity as well. CR is
present in 50 urban slums touching the lives of 75,000 families, which is close
to 400,000 people.

Running a marathon in Paris with Xavier is amazing enough, but it would be
even more special if my friends, family and colleagues made a little birthday
contribution to Calcutta Rescue as well.

Thank you all so much.

WHAT IS THE PROBLEM?

Economic and climate change migration means Kolkata will see its street and
slum population double and swell to close to 9 million people in the next 25
years. This means the city will need more schools, clinics, hospitals and
housing - 80% of which has not yet been built.

HOW WILL THIS PROJECT SOLVE THE PROBLEM?

We improve access to healthcare and education services across 50 urban
slums. We also collaborate with local government, bettering the living
conditions of the slums in areas of sanitation, drinking water and housing.

Annually CR participates in the Kolkata's marathon & 10km run. Many of
our kids from the slums participate and now appreciate healthier living. I hope
my participation in Paris will inspire them further. My visit to France will
also allow me to strengthen our French supporter and donor base in that
country.

POTENTIAL LONG-TERM IMPACT

The health and education metrics of the slums areas where CR operates are
improving. We are uplifting the living standards of the slum communities by
providing clean drinking water, toilets, and proper concrete lanes to walk. We
are working to minimise our environmental impact and to help our beneficiaries
become resilient to the effects of climate change. The campaign will help the
charity to continue its work and serve more people, who will desperately need
our services over the coming years.