(L-R) VPA members Bob Tutush, Anne Longley, Marco Longley and Bruce Imrie (photo credit: Anne Longley/Vernon Pickleball Association)

By Pete McIntyre

1,200 pounds of food

Vernon Pickleball members serve-up major support for food bank

Dec 26, 2023 | 5:30 AM

For the third year in a row, the Vernon Pickleball Association (VPA) held its annual food drive in support of the Vernon Salvation Army Food Bank during the month of December.

Members brought non-perishable food items and toiletries to the Okanagan Wealth Advisors (OWA) Pickleball complex when they came to play, placing the food under the twinkling lights of the 15’ high pickleball Christmas tree.

Marco Longley (photo credit: Anne Longley/VPA)

The food was weighed prior to being delivered, and an impressive 1,194 pounds were counted. Combined with the previous two years, that’s more than 3,000 lbs of food helping the Vernon community through the Salvation Army Food Bank/ House of Hope.

VPA member, Marco Longley, has spearheaded the initiative for the last three years, and is also the creator and builder of the pickleball Christmas tree consisting of over 800 broken pickleballs.

Stanley Cup Playoffs

Vancouver Canucks pull off comeback, top Nashville Predators 4-3 in OT

3h ago

Fundraiser

Hike for Hospice features 80's theme for anniversary event

8h ago

tournament ends

Esso Cup ends with Regina on top, host Lakers lose nail biter for bronze medal

Apr 28, 2024

“The spirit of giving at Christmas time, and throughout the year, is what makes the Vernon Pickleball Association a very special Pickleball community with a strong sense of belonging, sportsmanship and friendship,” a news release from the VPA stated.

Food donations being weighed by the Pickelball Christmas tree. (Anne Longley/VPA photo)

For more information about the Vernon Pickleball Association, go to www.vernonpickleball.com