The Muskoka Padel community raised over $138,000 in support of South Muskoka Memorial Hospital during a Labour Day long weekend tournament held across 12 local courts.
“We are truly grateful to the Muskoka Padel community for choosing to turn something they love into something that gives back,” said Tammy Selkirk, Community Giving Coordinator at South Muskoka Hospital Foundation. “Their generosity is a beautiful reminder of the heart of Muskoka neighbours coming together, supporting one another, and helping ensure exceptional care is available close to home. It’s this incredible spirit of community that makes Muskoka so special.”
South Muskoka Hospital Foundation officials said what began a few years ago with a handful of enthusiastic cottagers has grown into a thriving Padel community of over 200 members.
Officials said it all began with longtime Muskoka residents Rob and Kate Wharton, who lived in Spain and Dubai, where padel is deeply rooted in the culture.
According to the foundation, their international experience helped them bring the sport to Muskoka, where they founded Bounce Padel Courts and helped fuel its rapid growth across the region.
Officials said Bounce is currently the leading North American manufacturer of premium, super-panoramic padel courts. The sport’s growth has resulted in more than 35 courts and counting across Muskoka.
The foundation said the amount raised this year is more than three times last year’s record of nearly $39,000.
Officials said the remarkable growth reflects the generosity of Muskoka’s growing Padel community and its commitment to strengthening local health care.
“The Muskoka Padel community has tremendous appreciation for the hard work and dedication of the team at our local Bracebridge hospital, and we were proud to show our support through the group’s philanthropic efforts,” said Andrew Sheiner, a local cottager who brought the community together and spearheaded the fundraiser.
