Run M Ragged Awards

Yay!! Run M Ragged wins another award

As told in the Geelong News Article Above.

A lot of businesses that engage in the community share at least one major characteristic - other than the gratitude of those they help.

Generally they've converted some of their own difficult experiences on the way up into crusades to make it easier for those that follow.

In little more than two years after setting up, Run M Ragged, a children's indoor activity at the river end of Pakington Street has developed a reputation as an awesome place to let the kids loose while the mum and dad chill out with a latte.

But in parallel it's also shown its extremely community focused.

Run by Tracie and Tony Dickson, Run M Ragged has the equivalent of 11-12 full time staff.

As proprietors, Tony and Tracie certainly donate an enormous percentage of their time to local causes.  They estimate that is a high as 30% of their overall time.

They promote a culture that encourages their staff to contribute to community services.  For example, they encourage their staff to go and do face painting at fundraising fairs and events for charities.

They also encourage their staff to support and to engage with their local sporting clubs and their children's schools by offering play entries for auctions and raffles.

Tracie in particular shows leadership through setting up community oranisation standards and is active in galvanising others to engage service.

Tracie is an active member of BPW and The Chamber of Commerce and has delivered many talks on the importance of supporting local community and families.  She prides herself on being an advocate to others.

An example of this is when Tracie was new to Geelong four years ago.  At the time she was a young mother with small children and felt isolated in a new town.  Tracie started a "Geelong Newcomers' friendship and support program for new families that came to reside in Geelong.  The purpose of this program was to introduce newcomers to local members of the community over coffee and create friendship and support Networks.

Among the many organizations Run M Ragged has worked with are Gateway Support Services, Highton Primary School and BacLinks.

Run M Ragged makes a significant contribution to the Geelong Community in donations, facilities and time and has earned itself the October Community Business Award.