When the St John’s School Colour Run burst into Golcar with laughter, bright powder, and families running side by side, Ryder & Dutton were proud to be one of the event’s sponsors. For the estate agency, it was more than just a marketing opportunity - it was about living out their values in the heart of the community.
“We’re always looking for ways to support the communities we work in,” Laura Watts (a spokesperson from Ryder & Dutton) explained. “When we heard about the St John’s School Colour Run, we felt it was a fun, inclusive event that was supporting two local schools in Golcar.”
Two Schools, One Goal
The event wasn’t just for one school - it brought together St John’s School and Golcar J&I. This collaboration gave the Colour Run a bigger impact than either school could have achieved alone. By joining forces, they were able to combine resources, recruit more volunteers and participants, and share the workload of planning and organising. The result? A smooth-running event that felt like a true celebration of community spirit.
Finding the Right Fit
The connection came through Claire McMahon of the St John’s Home and School Association, who reached out directly to Ryder & Dutton. “It immediately felt like a great fit for us,” they said. And it wasn’t their first time backing a school or community initiative either: “Supporting schools and local events is something we value highly.”
The company saw a natural alignment between their ethos and the Colour Run’s purpose. “Community, health, and family are all core values for both the Colour Run and Ryder & Dutton. We believe in promoting well-being and building connections locally - this event ticked all those boxes.”
A Day to Remember
Though their involvement was primarily as a sponsor, the Ryder & Dutton team stayed close to the organisers and made sure to show up on the day. “Three members of our team attended, and they absolutely loved the atmosphere. It was vibrant, full of energy, and heartwarming to see so many children and families enjoying themselves.”
Visibility was another benefit. “We had branded signage at the event, and our logo was on the t-shirts our staff members were wearing. It was great to have that visibility while supporting a positive cause.”
Sharing the Story
The team made sure to highlight their support beyond the event itself. “We shared posts on our social media channels and included it in internal communications. We always try to celebrate our community involvement where we can,” they said. Photos of the team in action added a personal touch to their online presence.
Community Impact
Feedback from the community has been uplifting. “Several local residents and clients commented that they appreciated seeing a local business supporting school initiatives - it’s helped reinforce our role in the community.”
While new business opportunities weren’t the motivation, the event naturally fostered connections. “We did make some great connections with local families and community leaders. These kinds of events naturally open the door to new conversations.”
The Organiser’s Perspective
For Claire McMahon, one of the organisers from the St John’s Home and School Association, the Colour Run was everything she hoped it would be. “Wow, what a day - it was amazing,” she said. “Everyone was excited and there was a real community feel.”
Working alongside another school made a big difference to the scale and success of the event. “Joining the two schools meant we could use both fields, share the workloads and help each other with organising the event.”
Fundraising was at the heart of the Colour Run, and Claire highlighted what worked best: “Selling small bags of colour powder and definitely getting sponsors to help cover the cost.” The money raised will go towards a new climbing frame and playground equipment - resources that will benefit children in the local community for years to come.
For anyone planning their first Colour Run, Claire had some advice: “Take your time. Seek advice from Ministry of Colours and have fun with it.”
Looking Ahead
For Ryder & Dutton, the true reward was simple: “Seeing the smiles on children’s faces, knowing we helped make that day possible. It’s rewarding to contribute to something that brings so much joy and positivity.”
Asked whether they’d do anything differently, the answer was straightforward: “No, it was a well organised event.” As for the future, they were enthusiastic: “Absolutely! We’d be more than happy to support similar events. It’s a great way to stay connected to the communities we serve.”
And their advice to other businesses considering sponsorship? “Get involved! It’s not just about visibility - it’s about building relationships and showing your commitment to the people around you. It’s one of the most rewarding things you can do as a local business.”
“Ministry of Colours were super helpful and just amazing people to deal with.” - Claire McMahon
