Thirteen Luxembourg youth home residents got the chance to participate in a 5km fun run near Lake Echternach on Saturday, thanks to the efforts of a professional networking group.

Members of the European Management Assistants (EUMA) in Luxembourg found corporate sponsors and dug into their own pockets to underwrite the colourful adventure for children and staff of the Kannerhaus Yakary, which is run by the NGOs Caritas Jeunes et Familles and Institut Saint-Joseph. Ordinarily the charities would not have the budget to cover the cost of taking part in the “Color Run”.

Participants in the Color Run wear white T-shirts and stop at stations along the course to be doused in a kaleidoscope of eco-friendly paints. Instead of scoring the best time, “your goal is to reach the finish zone looking as colorful as possible”, according to run organisers. Around 3,000 people took part.

EUMA has previously worked with Caritas to arrange trips and events for youth home residents.

“More outings are in the pipeline, the idea being to give these youngsters and their support staff regular excursions to look forward to,” Catherine Johannsson, chair of EUMA Luxembourg, said in a statement.