United Way of Mumbai helps raise Rs12.2 crore for222 NGOs through the 9thedition of the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon, 2012

United Way of Mumbai, the official Charity Partner for the 9th StandardChartered Mumbai Marathon, promoted by Procam International, have set a new record this year with Rs.12.2 crore already raised for 222 NGOs. The event this year will also see 152 corporates with 223 teams, 4985 charity fund raisers and above 30,000 donors.
NGOs working for varied causes effectively use the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon as a platform to raise funds for their respective causes and projects. An easy-to-use model provides avenues for people from all walks of life to raise funds for their preferred causes/NGOs. The charity raising platform is facilitated, coordinated and monitored by the event’s official Charity Partner, United Way of Mumbai andall funds raised through the event are routed through the Charity Partner.
JayantiShukla, Executive Director, United Way of Mumbai says, “As charity partners for the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon, it is an absolute pleasure and privilege to see the response we have witnessed this year from the citizens of Mumbai. Corporate czars, film stars, students and working professionals -- people across the spectrum have shown enthusiasm in running for a cause they truly believe in and raise funds for it. It’s a proud moment for the city and brilliantly showcases it philanthropic spirit.”
 
A corporate tycoon, an iconic Bollywood personality, a passionate 12-year-old school girl, a first time runner and fund raiser and a mother-daughter duo are all united through United Way of Mumbai to raise funds for a cause close to their heart through the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon 2012.
 
MihirDoshi: Managing Director and country CEO, Credit Suisse Bank, founder trustee of United Way of Mumbai.
“I continue to run the 6 km charity run as part of the Mumbai Marathon this year again. Last year, with support from friends all over the world, I was the highest pledge raiser. It is immensely satisfying and humbling to know that the money raised reaches the right children for the right reasons. This year, I aim to raise the bar and support two NGO’s- Childline India Foundation and Save the Children India, both of which are making a larger than life impact on our children.”
 
Shantanu Mukherjee (Shaan): Celebrated Singer and youth icon, who will beraising funds for Salaam Bombay Foundation.
“Tobacco is the only product in the world which when consumed as per manufacture's guidelines kills you ! One of the biggest challenges the children and youth face today is tobacco, mainly in the form of gutka. Consumption starts at a very young age and almost always leads to oral cancer.50 per cent of oral cancer patients die within 12 months of diagnosis, so one can imagine how important it is to reach out to the youth and make them aware of this and motivate them to stay away from it. I believe our children have the right to a tobacco free life and I am doing my best to make it happen.” 

Meera Mehta:  School girl, 12 yrs.
“From my early childhood, my Guruji, PujyashriGurudevRakeshbhai, had inspired me to help the society. Last year when ShrimadRajchandra Love and Care decided to take part in the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon for the first time for the 10 care program, Love and Care ( ShrimadRajchandra Ashram), I saw all the work that went behind it. I would not say work, I would say love, compassion and seva. Then only did I decide that I would love to help in raising these funds for the marathon and because of my guruji, this dream has become true. That's why, I would want to thank HIM and everyone else that helped me in fund raising”
 
NeerajGoenka: Businessman, Newly inspired runner and first time fund raiser.
Running without a cause would have been very selfish. Raising funds and creating awareness have been the twin objectives of this drive. Education and sports have been subjects that I am very passionate about. Teach For India provided me with that opportunity in my humble ways.

This year United Way of Mumbai’s official mascot – Gavlu and Gavluni also make their debut. GAVLU stands for:Give, Advocate, Volunteer, Live United and GAVLUNI is the female version of Gavlu.The Green colour also symbolizes the flagship environment program the UunitedWay of Mumbai Helpline, and the heart asks you to “support a cause close to your heart”.