Community Bulletin Board
At Vernon Pickleball, we believe in the power of community. That’s why we proudly support local nonprofits, community groups, and pickleball organizations. Whether you're running a fundraiser, organizing an event, or bringing people together for a good cause, we’re here to help however we can. Email us a brief description and we will post it on our website "Community" page. *All postings subject to approval by VPA management*
As wildfire flames closed in, a 90-year-old Okanagan man with dementia was left behind.
When wildfire flames were closing in, 90-year-old John Belleville was still at home. The Desert Cove resident, who lives with dementia, hadn’t evacuated as the fire rapidly approached.
His daughter, Shiloh, who lives in Vancouver, soon realized her father had been left behind and began desperately calling anyone she thought might be able to help. Eventually, one of those calls reached Bob Tutush, a man she had never met.
Tutush drove to John’s home, were he spent time earning the senior’s trust before convincing him to leave. With flames visible nearby, the pair made it out safely and headed to the Kal Tire evacuation reception centre, hoping to find John somewhere to stay. “He was a little reluctant. He told me he had to go to bed,” Tutush recalled. “I said, John, no, there is a fire.’’
“I ended up getting to the driveway, showing him the fire. We ended up getting his bag and into my truck.” When they made it to the evacuation centre, they were told there were no accommodations available. “When we got to the end of the lineup we were told there was no place for him to stay,” Tutush said.
An old family friend was able to provide John with a bed for the night, but it was only a temporary solution. With Shiloh not able to travel to the Okanagan, Tutush made another unexpected offer. The next morning, he drove John Belleville nearly 400 km to Vancouver so he could reunite with his daughter.
Long time VPA member and volunteer, Bob Tutush, help to reunite a family during the recent wildfires!
“I ended up getting to the driveway, showing him the fire. We ended up getting his bag and into my truck.”
When they made it to the evacuation centre, they were told there were no accommodations available. “When we got to the end of the lineup we were told there was no place for him to stay,” Tutush said.
An old family friend was able to provide John with a bed for the night, but it was only a temporary solution. With Shiloh not able to travel to the Okanagan, Tutush made another unexpected offer.
The next morning, he drove John Belleville nearly 400 km to Vancouver so he could reunite with his daughter.
Shiloh Belleville (left), John Belleville (centre) and John’s granddaughter (right) shortly after John was safely reunited with his family in Vancouver.
VPA Members Are Rallying for Life
The Vernon Pickleball community is known for its energy, camaraderie, and commitment to staying active. Now, we're bringing that same spirit of teamwork and community impact beyond the courts.
We're excited to announce the launch of the "Vernon Pickleball Rally for Life" team, a Canadian Blood Services Partner for Life team created in partnership with the Vernon Pickleball Association. Together, we're encouraging players, family members, friends, and supporters to join us in helping save lives through blood donation.
Our team has set an ambitious goal of 50 blood donations in 2026, and we're already off to a great start with 11 donations completed. Every donation matters. In fact, a single blood donation can help save up to three lives. By working together, the Vernon Pickleball community can make a meaningful difference for patients across Canada who depend on blood products every day. Joining the team is easy:
Step 1: Join the Vernon Pickleball Rally for Life Team
https://myaccount.blood.ca/en/join-team/VERN0130972
Canadian Blood Services visits Vernon every month for four days at Trinity United Church (3300 Alexis Park Drive). Upcoming donor events are scheduled for:
September 7-10, 2026 11:00am - 6:00pm
Step 2: Book your blood donation appointment at www.blood.ca
by calling 1-888-2DONATE,
or by downloading the GiveBlood App to your phone.
Whether you're a first-time donor or a regular supporter of Canada's Lifeline, we'd love to have you join our team and help us reach our goal.
Questions? Please reach out to the VPA Team Champion - Carrie Ellingsen
email: carrieellingsen@gmail.com
