Muskoka Padel community raises nearly $39,000 for Bracebridge hospital

A growing community of padel tennis players in Muskoka has turned their passion for sport into meaningful support for local health care.

In August, the Muskoka padel community hosted a multi-court tournament across seven locations, raising $38,841 for the South Muskoka Memorial Hospital Foundation. The event brought together nearly 200 players from around the region’s three major lakes.

“The Muskoka padel tennis community appreciates how hard-working and dedicated the team is at our local Bracebridge Hospital,” said Andrew Sheiner, a local cottage owner who organized the fundraiser.

Padel – a fast-paced racquet sport popular in southern Europe – was introduced to Muskoka by seasonal residents. Among them are Rob and Kate Wharton, founders of Bounce Padel, an Ontario-based company building high-end courts. Today, there are nine courts in Muskoka, with more under development.

“Their generosity not only strengthens local health care but also reflects the incredible spirit of what our community can achieve,” said Kathryn Devlin, director of philanthropy at the hospital foundation.