(Photo courtesy of Vernon Pickleball Association)

By Pete McIntyre

Charity event

Dog day afternoon at Vernon pickleball facility

Apr 17, 2024 | 3:00 PM

Puppies and pickleballers will come together this weekend at the Okanagan Wealth Advisors Pickleball Complex in Vernon’s Marshall Fields.

The Vernon Pickleball Association (VPA) will be participating in a province-wide charity event on Saturday, April 20 from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m

The event called Paddle for PADS is in support of the Pacific Assistance Dogs Society (PADS), and the VPA is one of 25 pickleball clubs in B.C. taking part.

The competition for the event will be aimed at newer and recreational players.

“Many local businesses and individuals have stepped up and donated money or products for the silent auction with all funds raised going to PADS,” Anne Longley, publicity with the VPA, said.

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Barb Byrne, VPA’s organizer of the event, said she’s excited to welcome everybody to participate or cheer on the players.

“I look forward to meeting a few of these amazing dogs and their trainers, and hope to hit our fundraising goal of raising $3,000,” Byrne said.

Tara Doherty, PADS director of communications, said they are thrilled to have the Vernon Pickleball Association take part in the Paddles for PADS Charity Tournament.

“Their support raises much needed funds and awareness about PADS and our life-changing assistance dogs,” Doherty noted.

Spectators are welcome to visit the facility to cheer on their favourite player and will have the opportunity to meet the PADS volunteers with their canine companions.

For more information about the Pacific Assistance Dog Society (PADS), visit: pads.ca

The Vernon Pickleball Association can be found at: vernonpickleball.com