Cochrane's indoor pickleball community continues to rally behind the Cochrane Activettes Food Bank while playing their sport of passion.

A three-day food bank drive by the Cochrane Pickleball Projects wrapped up today (Dec. 1) at the SLS Centre.

Organizer Bill Cooper says the group has held about seven food bank drives since the group was formed three years ago.

"We're getting great participation," says Cooper. "People from the indoor pickleball community want to support the community, and they're doing a good job.  We've got a full cart of groceries, so we're happy."

Members bring items recommended by food bank officials, explains Cooper, This time around the focus was on canned soups and oatmeal.

Over the three days of play about 130 pickleballers participated.

The indoor sessions have been going strong since first organized in the fall of 2021. Monday to Thursday they have morning and afternoon sessions and there's one on Friday. Cooper instructs beginners in a separate session and currently leads a group of about 30 people. Over the last three years has introduced 230 people to the sport.

Since Cooper launched the organized play, nearly 400 people have participated. He has also organized several indoor tournaments.

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