Community Cleaners volunteers and supporters swapped litter bags for pickleball paddles when the organisation hosted its inaugural doubles tournament, turning a day of sport into an opportunity to strengthen community connections and raise funds.

Read more: Young tennis player plans to top his rankings by years end

Organised by volunteer Alison Blair, the round-robin pickleball event brought together people who regularly support Community Cleaners but do not always have an opportunity to connect beyond the organisation’s weekend clean-ups. Blair said the idea was to create a relaxed environment where people could spend time together while introducing others to the work of Community Cleaners. “It’s about connection. It’s about getting to know people that you possibly see on the clean-up, but because you’re all busy picking up litter, you never really get to talk to,” she said.

Participants also contributed through their entry fees, with proceeds going towards the non-profit organisation. While Blair had initially hoped for a larger turnout, she said the support received was encouraging, particularly after concerns about possible rain emerged during the week. “We make a call on the day. We get people to come, we motivate them to come and have a day of connection,” she said.

Also read: Marks Park Tennis Championships showcase the best

The event also demonstrated local support, with businesses contributing prizes and sponsoring items for participants’ goodie bags. For Blair, this willingness to contribute reflects the spirit she sees across Fairland, Northcliff and Berario. She said residents and businesses shared a common desire to maintain neighbourhoods where people wanted to live, work and operate their businesses while continually looking for ways to uplift the community.

Blair, who has volunteered with Community Cleaners for four years, said the event allowed her to meet people involved with the organisation whom she had never encountered before. She hopes the pickleball fundraiser can become an annual event, while other fundraising initiatives could provide opportunities for different members of the community to participate.

“A golf day is one possibility,” she said, “as it could attract people who prefer a slower-paced activity.” For Blair, however, the inaugural tournament was about more than raising money; it showed how sport, local businesses and volunteering can create another avenue for people to connect – strengthening the same community that comes together each weekend to care for its neighbourhoods.

Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates!