NHL star and Chatham-Kent native TJ Brodie is once again bringing an event to the municipality to raise money for causes that are near and dear to his heart.
Brodie and his wife Amber, along with the Taylored Pickleball Academy, are hosting the second annual Rally At the Barn pickleball tournament at Ken Houston Memorial Arena in Dresden from Friday through Sunday.
All proceeds raised through the event will go to the Lighthouse Foundation, a charity created by the Brodie family to raise funds for cystic fibrosis and multiple sclerosis research.
“I always tried to do stuff for cystic fibrosis in Calgary and after Amber got diagnosed with MS, it [became] a way to donate to both charities,” said TJ.
Amber was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in October 2015. As well, TJ has watched his cousin, Ian Badder, live with and battle cystic fibrosis his entire life.
The weekend tournament is designed to accommodate players of all skill levels and introduce new players to the game with various clinics.
Amber said it’s a game that’s easy to pick up and learn.
“It’s still super fun. Last year was my first time picking up a racket. I lost every single game, but it was fun,” she said. “It’s an event for everybody — youth, mixed, men’s, women’s — it’s for everyone.”
For more information on the Rally At The Barn tournament, click here.
