Tennis for Food is a community initiative where high-energy tennis coaching meets local charity. This program was created to give younger kids a chance to learn a great sport while making a real difference in our community. By trading a traditional lesson fee for a donation of canned goods, we are teaching kids that they can have a powerful impact just by playing a sport they love.
Our sessions are held at the St. Ignatius of Loyola public tennis courts, providing a safe and familiar environment for local families. We believe that sportsmanship and community service go hand-in-hand, and our goal is to help every participant leave the court as a better player and a more helpful neighbor.
I’m Parker Fan, and I’ve been passionate about tennis since I was 7 years old. I currently train at the Joshua Creek Gold Tennis Program and am a member of the Bronte Tennis Club. I am also a proud member of the Varsity Tennis Team at King’s Christian Collegiate, where I’ve competed at the highest high school level.
Tennis has taught me discipline, but my experience in various orchestras and chamber groups has taught me how to communicate and collaborate to reach a common goal. I wanted to combine my love for the sport with a way to give back to our community, which is how Tennis for Food was born.
With my background in team environments and my certification in First Aid (Bronze Star, Medallion, and Cross), I am dedicated to running a safe, fun, and impactful event for everyone involved.
Our sessions are designed to be high-energy and beginner-friendly. We focus on the fundamentals of the game through fun drills and team-based challenges. Kids will learn:
Racket Skills: Developing hand-eye coordination and proper grips.
Basic Strokes: Learning the forehand, backhand, and volleys.
Fun Games: Playing classic tennis games like "Jail" and "Target Practice."
Sportsmanship: Learning how to be a good teammate and a fair player.
To participate, we ask that each child brings 3 to 5 canned items. While all non-perishable donations are welcome, our local food banks are currently in high need of:
Protein: Canned tuna, chicken, or peanut butter.
Meals: Canned stews, chili, or hearty soups.
Kids' Favorites: Canned pasta (like Chef Boyardee), fruit cups, and applesauce.
Note: Please ensure all items are not expired and are not in glass jars for safety on the courts!
To make sure everyone has a safe and fun time, please ensure your child comes prepared with:
Running Shoes: Non-marking athletic shoes are best for the tennis courts.
Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is key!
Tennis Racket: If you have one, please bring it! (If not, let us know in the sign-up form and we can provide one).
Sun Protection: A hat and sunscreen are highly recommended as we will be outdoors.
Tennis for Food is a community initiative where high-energy tennis coaching meets local charity. This program was created to give younger kids a chance to learn a great sport while making a real difference in our community. By trading a traditional lesson fee for a donation of canned goods, we are teaching kids that they can have a powerful impact just by playing a sport they love.
Our sessions are held at the St. Ignatius of Loyola public tennis courts, providing a safe and familiar environment for local families. We believe that sportsmanship and community service go hand-in-hand, and our goal is to help every participant leave the court as a better player and a more helpful neighbor.
Ready to hit the courts for a great cause? Signing up is simple! We welcome players of all skill levels between the ages of 6 and 10 to join us at the St. Ignatius of Loyola public tennis courts. To secure your spot, please fill out our online registration form with your child’s name, age, and any equipment needs. Since we want to keep group sizes small for the best coaching experience, spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Once you’ve registered, your only "homework" is to pick out 3 to 5 canned goods to bring with you on the day of the clinic. These donations serve as your entry fee and will be delivered directly to the local food bank. We can’t wait to see you on the court, help you improve your game, and work together to support our community!
(If you have any questions or concerns, email parkerfan777@gmail.com)
Are you a high school student looking to earn volunteer hours while sharing your love for tennis? Tennis for Food is looking for energetic, reliable student volunteers to help coach, manage drills, and assist with our canned food collection. Whether you are on your school’s varsity team or just love the sport, we would love to have you help us grow this community initiative. It’s a great way to build leadership skills, support the Oakville food bank, and get involved in a meaningful project.
Your generosity helps us feed families in Oakville. If you aren't looking to hit the courts but still want to make a difference, we gratefully accept donations of non-perishable food items such as canned soups, pasta, rice, beans, and peanut butter. Every contribution goes directly to the local food bank to support those in need. To ensure that someone is available to receive your donation, please contact us by email first. Once you reach out, I will coordinate with you directly to provide the specific timing and the exact location at the St. Ignatius of Loyola courts for your drop-off. Every item you donate helps a neighbor in our community stay fed, and we thank you for supporting our mission to smash hunger in Oakville!