Route 55

What is it?

Route 55 is an annual event that aims to inspire everyone to give back while having fun. A donation based run/walk, Route 55 memorializes the road taken by bus #55, a key transport meridian for those traveling between Howrah and Kolkata.

First started in 2013 by ten former IIEST students, the initiative is a unique way to motivate folks to achieve personal fitness goals; and give back to society. Route 55 is open to everyone; the only pre-requisite to participate is a donation of USD 55/INR 3500 directly to Sramajibi Hospital, Howrah. There are special discounts for students and running groups.

Route 55

Why participate?

Hundreds of participants including students, professionals from all walks of life and from across the globe, join hands with the Sramajibi family with “Giving Back” on their minds. There is a running revolution happening in India, with many organized larger runs regularly held in Kolkata now. Yet, Route 55 is possibly the only event in the city that is entirely volunteer-driven and without any big name sponsors or commercial support. The organizers rely on social media and word of mouth to spread this message of giving back.

Route 55

Achievements

• We have been instrumental in developing Hooghly district’s first blood bank at Sramajibi Hospital.
• A portion of the donations have also been used to provide discounted healthcare access cards to the drivers and conductors of the bus route (Bus#55)

Route 55

Team Philosophy

We take pride in our anonymity and passion to give back and keeping the focus on Sramajibi. rather than speeches, felicitations, celebrities and stage time.

We are self-organizing with the goal is to shepherd the efficient organization of the run and support the cause. There is no formal organization or titles and we are open to including anyone who is interested in helping out. Please contact any of our volunteers if you want to help out.

Route 55

Important Information in a Glance

• Social Media page www.facebook.com/R55TheRoad2BEC/
• The 2019 edition of Route 55 will be flagged off from the Old Metro Cinema in Esplanade at 7:00 AM on December 29th
• First Edition – 2013. 2019 will be the 7th year of this annual run
• Distance: 10 Km. Participants can walk or run
• Starts at: Metro Cinema, Esplanade; Finish Line: IIEST Shibpur Campus. Only event that touches landmarks such as Howrah Bridge, Ganges, and Eden Gardens among others.
• Minimum Donation: INR 3500 or, US$55
• Total participants over the years: Approximately 1,500
• Total funds raised till date: 21 lakhs
• Participants from 15 international and Indian cities
• Supported by Kolkata Police

Route 55

FAQ

What is specifically the Social Outreach program associated with the run?
Sramajabi Hospital has been identified as the “Cause” supported by Route 55 since 2014. Sramajibi Hospital aka Belur Sramajibi Swasthya Prakalpa Samity, located near the Howrah railway station, is an inspiring endeavor of the workers of a sick industrial unit that was closed. With the partnership of the community and selfless service of many in the medical community, Sramajibi provides healthcare at extremely low costs to the underprivileged. Sramajibi has also received the 80 (G) Tax exempt status from the Income Tax Department of the Government of India.

Tell me specifically how my contribution gets to the people and how do you provide transparency with the funds
In keeping with the spirit of no fuss social giving with the absolute needs of financial transparency donors expect - all contributions will be directly made to Sramajibi Hospital. All contributions are acknowledged directly to donors by Sramajibi, and donors can take tax advantage deductions where applicable. This allows us to focus our limited volunteer bandwidth on raising awareness and connecting people. In that spirit, we will never publicly announce the size and number of individual contributions.

Why is the registration fee USD 55/INR 3500?
We expect that 44% of the the registration fees will be spent on race expenses - incurred directly by Sramajibi. This leaves about INR 2000/- as the per person contribution to the cause.
Below is an itemized list of expenses - directly attributable to a person or prorated assuming 100 donors

What is the position on sponsors/sponsorships for the run?
All runners are taking personal responsibility to contribute to the social goal by paying the not insignificant registration fees. While recognizing that contributions from 100 runners are never going to be enough, it is still important to respect the personal satisfaction of those making this small yet meaningful contribution. The purity of the purpose for the run needs to remain intact.

At the same time, we do not stand in the way of any interested parties/institutions/organizations also taking on social activism on the same cause by their own significant contributions. In fact, we promote the cause with as much gusto as the fun in the run.

What is the identity, visual and content design philosophy for the event communications?
The preferred voice of all event communication is the collective name that anonymizes the people behind it
Naming/Identity - It is important to be consistent whenever there is a reason to refer to the event, it is Route 55 - Giving Back 10km Run/Walk. The year comes before it, as in the “2014 Route 55: Giving Back 10Km Run/Walk”.
Logo - This visual identity is inspired by the iconic American Highway known as Route 66 and stands for the nostalgia associated with the Bus Number 55 that runs from Esplanade to B E College, covering many of the heritage locations along the way. The clock Tower seen in grayscale is also recognized for its association with B E College, the finish line of the event.
Marketing Look, Tone and Feel (LTF) - A minimalist visual design philosophy, combined with casual and cool written language are the core principles for all communication. Any people photos used should convey a “sporty” or “athletic” image as far as practical for both men and women. It should celebrate a stretch goal - of personal fitness and improving society. The tone of language should always remain politically correct, inspiring and special care must be taken to stay inclusive and open.
Respect for the Individual - We refrain from any type of narcissism that shows off images those unfortunate people who are getting helped. Respect for the condition of those being helped, often not a condition they chose to get into, is an important part of our humanity. Taking photographs to show off the little we are doing is an invasion of privacy and a disrespect to their dignity. We are doing a lot yet we are doing very little.