Get inspired: Community partnerships

During an economic time that is so difficult for many, there has never been a greater reason to give back to our communities that have given us so much. Partnering with your local community groups is not only a great help to those who need it, but it also provides tangible benefits back to your business.

Some of our Ray White offices go absolutely above and beyond for local groups, cementing them as key community members. We chatted to a few of our most inspiring principals who have reaped the feel-good benefits of their philanthropy.

Shane Coote
Ray White CR Group NZ

Who do you sponsor?

We support a number of local clubs and schools including East Coast Bays Rugby Club, Cricket Club, Mairangi Bay Surf Club, Mairangi Bay Bowls Club, Rangitoto College, Mairangi Bay School and Campbells Bay School. We support financially and also lend a hand during events.

What are you most proud of?

I'm very proud to support East Coast Bays rugby. It has been a big part of my life for a number of years and we have been sponsors for over 15 years. I've also been involved as an MC for a number of events which have been fun and rewarding. It's great to know that our support makes the experience for our local sports players and fans a little bit better than what it would be without us.

What difference does it make to the groups?

For us it is about supporting the community we live in primarily. We believe giving back is something everyone should consider and that will always lead to more business anyway.

What benefits does it provide back for your business?

We have strengthened a number of relationships with people within the community that have led to a number of referrals and sales, with many more to come we believe.

Shane Coote
Ray White CR Group NZ

Who do you sponsor?

We support a number of local clubs and schools including East Coast Bays Rugby Club, Cricket Club, Mairangi Bay Surf Club, Mairangi Bay Bowls Club, Rangitoto College, Mairangi Bay School and Campbells Bay School. We support financially and also lend a hand during events.

What are you most proud of?

I'm very proud to support East Coast Bays rugby. It has been a big part of my life for a number of years and we have been sponsors for over 15 years. I've also been involved as an MC for a number of events which have been fun and rewarding. It's great to know that our support makes the experience for our local sports players and fans a little bit better than what it would be without us.

What difference does it make to the groups?

For us it is about supporting the community we live in primarily. We believe giving back is something everyone should consider and that will always lead to more business anyway.

What benefits does it provide back for your business?

We have strengthened a number of relationships with people within the community that have led to a number of referrals and sales, with many more to come we believe.

Rachel Lawrie
Ray White North Adelaide SA

Who do you sponsor?

Our office sponsors the following groups: Port Adelaide Football Club, North Adelaide Football Club, Prospect District Cricket Club, West Adelaide Women's Soccer Club, Adelaide United Soccer Club, Gaza Sports and Community Centre, FoodBank SA/NT, Childhood Cancer Association, Australian Lion Hearing Dogs, Women's & Children's Hospital foundation. I personally sponsor numerous professional and amateur sportspeople.

What are you most proud of?

The amount of support both financially, physically and professionally to each of the groups I am aligned with.

What difference does it make to the groups?

Each group has benefitted in different ways, but the similarities between them is financial stability, professional networks I could connect them with for further support and a sense of loyalty and belief that we genuinely are there for them through thick and thin.

What benefits does it provide back for your business?

It shows that we are genuinely true to the values we preach, creating a sense of trust with the community. It also results in the referral of business, whereby the group further benefits. It also further builds our professional network and client database.

Rachel Lawrie
Ray White North Adelaide SA

Who do you sponsor?

Our office sponsors the following groups: Port Adelaide Football Club, North Adelaide Football Club, Prospect District Cricket Club, West Adelaide Women's Soccer Club, Adelaide United Soccer Club, Gaza Sports and Community Centre, FoodBank SA/NT, Childhood Cancer Association, Australian Lion Hearing Dogs, Women's & Children's Hospital foundation. I personally sponsor numerous professional and amateur sportspeople.

What are you most proud of?

The amount of support both financially, physically and professionally to each of the groups I am aligned with.

What difference does it make to the groups?

Each group has benefitted in different ways, but the similarities between them is financial stability, professional networks I could connect them with for further support and a sense of loyalty and belief that we genuinely are there for them through thick and thin.

What benefits does it provide back for your business?

It shows that we are genuinely true to the values we preach, creating a sense of trust with the community. It also results in the referral of business, whereby the group further benefits. It also further builds our professional network and client database.

Angela Bowers
Ray White Blenheim NZ

Who do you sponsor?

We are heavily involved in Marlborough Hospice, Marlborough 4 Paws, Bohally Intermediate School, Marlborough Food Bank Appeal, Ronald McDonald House, Women's Refuge, Marlborough Age Concern, and local schools and community organisations with the complementary use of our Ray White marquee. We also created community events including the Ray White Easter egg hunt for children under 12 years and the Christmas lights competition supporting several local community charities with donations.

What are you most proud of?

Our overall team participation in all our community events and how much these charities, and the community, appreciate what we give. We are making a difference in people's lives.

What difference does it make to the group?

Not only does it financially help these groups it also shows them that we care about what they do. And with our community events like the Christmas lights and Easter egg hunt it puts smiles on people's faces.

What benefits does it provide back for your business?

We are seen in the community as a company that really cares about people. We are walking the walk. It has raised our brand awareness. We are painting the town yellow and being the talk of the town, especially with the Easter egg hunt and Christmas lights. A number of the community events are more about manpower helping out the organisation than a financial donation.

A lot of things we do don’t cost money; for the food bank appeal, 20 of us will walk the street collecting food in our cars and trailers. It costs us nothing but some of our time, and we are so rewarded.

Angela Bowers
Ray White Blenheim NZ

Who do you sponsor?

We are heavily involved in Marlborough Hospice, Marlborough 4 Paws, Bohally Intermediate School, Marlborough Food Bank Appeal, Ronald McDonald House, Women's Refuge, Marlborough Age Concern, and local schools and community organisations with the complementary use of our Ray White marquee. We also created community events including the Ray White Easter egg hunt for children under 12 years and the Christmas lights competition supporting several local community charities with donations.

What are you most proud of?

Our overall team participation in all our community events and how much these charities, and the community, appreciate what we give. We are making a difference in people's lives.

What difference does it make to the group?

Not only does it financially help these groups it also shows them that we care about what they do. And with our community events like the Christmas lights and Easter egg hunt it puts smiles on people's faces.

What benefits does it provide back for your business?

We are seen in the community as a company that really cares about people. We are walking the walk. It has raised our brand awareness. We are painting the town yellow and being the talk of the town, especially with the Easter egg hunt and Christmas lights. A number of the community events are more about manpower helping out the organisation than a financial donation.

A lot of things we do don’t cost money; for the food bank appeal, 20 of us will walk the street collecting food in our cars and trailers. It costs us nothing but some of our time, and we are so rewarded.

Des Smith
Ray White Kemeys Brothers NZ

Who do you sponsor?

I commit annually to sponsorships with a personal spend of approximately $90,000 annually. This spend is distributed across a variety of sporting codes, schools, groups and individuals including: Wainuiomata FC club, Petone FC club, Wainuiomata Cricket club, Wainuiomata Rugby club, Wainuiomata Bowling club, Wainuiomata Darts team, Wainuiomata Tennis club, Avalon Tennis club, Ulalei Touch and Flag football, Ashes and MSK Cricket tournaments, Hutt Valley Gymnastics, Softball- Saints Team and Rylee Watt, Tribal Phoenix Fitness, Wainuiomata Little Theatre, St Bernard's College Football, St Patrick's Silverstream College Football and Sacred Heart College Football. I head out on Saturdays to watch games in support and attend prize givings, fundraisers, shows and events whenever possible.

What are you most proud of?

Being in a position to help out in my local community is a real privilege and something I always wanted to do. As a youngster into adulthood I've participated and coached a number of club sports, so I've had to do my fair share of fundraisers. I have always been aware of the financial struggles that clubs, schools and families face.

What difference does it make to the groups?

Sponsorship has enabled the continuation of endeavours with the ability to focus on important things. Teams and individuals can travel to represent without stress; the show can go on! I'm often approached by people expressing their appreciation. Pre-paid school stationary or subs for the season so kids can play or try a new sport at no cost, or be thankful for the new hoodie or kit that gives a sense of pride. I've never underestimated how uplifting those things can be.

What benefits does it provide back for your business?

While the initial cost is significant, the benefits are tenfold. Sponsorship creates connections and relationships, building trust and in turn building business by word of mouth. Raising of your profile is huge with signage in clubs, at fixtures alongside attendance to games, prize givings and events. There is a Ray White logo on every game shirt, jacket, hoodie or cap and I hand out a few free umbrellas on the sidelines in winter. Your name is then at the forefront when someone is looking to sell or purchase real estate. It also provides lots of content for social media posts and increases your following. It is definitely a commitment, but just starting with one or two sponsorship deals will provide rewards to your business.