A Langley City-based group of pickleball players has set a new record with their latest charity tournament to help students at Douglas Park Community School, which raised more than $25,000.
Results of the Douglas Park Pickleball fourth annual charity tournament in July were revealed during a cheque presentation on Tuesday, Sept. 10, at the pickleball courts located next to the K-to-5 school.
Langley Pickleball players raised more than $25,000 to help fund learning assessments, primarily for autism, for kids in need at Douglas Park Community School. pic.twitter.com/CbV5sgR9Op
— Langley Advance Times (@LangleyTimes) September 10, 2024
This year, directors of the Douglas Park Community School Society accepted a donation of $25,205.97, funds that will help provide autism assessments to underprivileged children.
Tei James, a director of the society, was visibly moved.
"It's unbelievable, actually," James told the Langley Advance Times. "I'm very emotional."
"Our normal fundraising is concessions and raffles and things like that," James explained.
"So this is just remarkable."
Last year, in addition to helping 10 families get assessments, the society built a sensory climbing wall in the school. It also helps with school supplies and field trips.
Kristina Crosgrey, Douglas Park Pickleball fundraising coordinator, estimated more than a dozen kids will be able to get autism assessments that they otherwise couldn't get.
"We're thrilled to have that new record, thanks to our many sponsors and, a supportive pickleball community," Crosgrey said.
"We're already gearing up for next year's tournament, so hopefully, we've got a new challenge to meet, a new target to hit."
Langley MLA Andrew Mercier said it would change lives "for a lot of kids and a lot of parents."
"This is absolutely the best part of Langley, which is community coming together to support each other," Mercier said.
Langley City Deputy Mayor Rosemary Wallace said it can cost $3,000 and take three years or more to get an assessment.
"My heart is full with the amount and the work that the society does, and how pickleball has grown in our community, and how much you give back to our community," Wallace said.
Running from July 4-7, the charity tournament, which is believed to be the largest pickleball tournament in the Lower Mainland, drew more than 230 players.
That was up from the 2023 edition, which saw 180 players take part, and raised $20,062
The next charity tournament is set for July 3-6 at the Douglas Park courts.
