A one-day charity pickleball tournament took place on January 30, 2026, at Westerner Park in Red Deer, raising $39,000 to help local youth and families across Central Alberta, including communities such as Spruce Grove. The event brought together local business owners and athletes to compete while raising money for community programs.
The second annual event was presented by IG Private Wealth Management Giesbrecht & Associates. This year’s total is about a $9,000 increase over the roughly $30,000 raised at the inaugural tournament in 2025.
The money will be shared between the Hockey Alberta Foundation and the Outreach Centre. The funds will support Hockey Alberta Foundation programs that increase access to youth hockey (including grant programs that can benefit Spruce Grove-area children) and Outreach Centre services that provide support for domestic violence, mental-health and housing stability in Central Alberta.
Members of the Parkland Pickleheads Pickleball Club participated in the challenge, which included competitive matches and an optional Learn to Play clinic for beginners led by Red Deer Pickleball Club instructors. Organizers say the growing popularity of pickleball has made it an effective way to bring communities and businesses together for fundraising and community-building.
