They took part under the red banner of Richardson & Wrench, wearing purple and yellow wigs for the Starlight Children’s Foundation. And, at the end of the 5km Color Run fundraiser around Centennial Park, the 120 R&W runners, smeared top to toe in bright paint, had collected more than $10,000 to make the lives of seriously ill children just a little bit brighter.
Since partnering with Starlight, Richardson & Wrench agencies have donated more than $400,000 to the charity and Sunday’s Color Run, which saw a record turnout from across the network, kick-starts the group’s annual Starlight Spring Campaign.
Throughout September, October, and November, participating offices donate an agreed amount of the commission earned from sales, giving every member of the network an opportunity to be part of something that makes a real difference in their community.
R&W’s involvement with Starlight began many years ago as one agent’s desire to “give back” after her seriously ill daughter had been granted a wish from the Starlight Foundation.
Inspired by her experience, the Eastern Suburbs offices of R&W became involved and then the entire network when Starlight was adopted as R&W’s Corporate Charity.
R&W Double Bay Director Robynne Arnouts has been the driving force behind the partnership and personally raised more than $1100, an effort that was bettered by another Double Bay agent, David Turnbull with over $1900. Collectively the Double Bay office raised more than $6500.
This was the first year that the fundraising drive has begun with the Color Run, a shift from the Blackmores Running Festival, to make it accessible to more R&W participants.
Says Robynne: “I’ve been to the Starlight Room many times and seen the value of what they do in changing the perspective of children from their horrible sickness to happiness. We felt that the Color Run embraced that sense of happiness and as a result, we had a record number of R&W people taking part and raising money.
“We’ve seen a steady increase in the number of offices really eager to be involved. The Spring Campaign has been growing every year and the Color Run was not only great fun but a wonderful way to kick off our fundraising.
“The philosophy of giving back is important to us and Starlight’s aims and values are central to home and heart, and what we believe in as a group.”
Across the network R&W offices engage at a number of levels with Starlight, from selling merchandise on Starlight Day, to the Spring Campaign and volunteering in the Starlight Express Rooms.
The network’s total donations now exceed $425,000, a sum that is helping to improve the experience of thousands of children in hospital and making wishes come true.
