Big Group Hug’s First Pickleball for Purpose: A Day of Fun, Friendly Competition, and Community Impact

Big Group Hug's Pickleball for Purpose event, with all participating corporate teams on the court

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Pickleball for Purpose brought together an awesome group of workplaces, community groups, supporters, and friends for a day of friendly competition and team bonding on the pickleball court. As one of Melbourne’s most enjoyable charity events for workplaces, the tournament proved just how powerful sport can be in bringing people together for a great cause.

Teams arrived ready for action, and the courts were filled with laughter, teamwork, and plenty of competitive spirit. Whether participants were seasoned players or trying pickleball for the first time, everyone quickly discovered why pickleball is becoming one of the fastest-growing sports in Australia. It’s fast, social, easy to learn, and a fantastic team-building activity for workplaces looking for something different.

Help us reach our goal by Sunday 23rd of November! Teams and individuals can help Big Group Hug reach its fundraising goal of $50,000 by sharing and clicking on the button below.

Winning Teams
Morning session – Pool A
Winners: Team Bunnings
Runners up: Team StayDry Stylers/Products
 
Morning session – Pool B
Winners: Pickle Juicers
Runners up: Team Kinetic
Afternoon session – Pool A
Winners: Team Quest Apartments
Runners up: Team Equans
 
Afternoon session – Pool B
Winners: Team MC Labour
Runners up: Team Aptella
A special mention to our Spirit winners

These are the players and teams who brought energy, encouragement and positivity to the day, and those who went above and beyond with their personal fundraising efforts.

  • Marc from Micheli Jewellery, who lifted spirits on and off the court and contributed Micheli vouchers to every player pack.
  • Ethan Holmes from Solvar, for supplying great music and keeping the atmosphere lively.
  • Jes from Team Nuovo Skin, recognised for outstanding sportsmanship and a brilliant attitude all day (and yes, everyone noticed the great skin across the whole team!).
  • The Finance Fairies from Money3, who brought fairy wings, smiles, and plenty of fun.
  • Georgie Hardy and Amanda Crestani, who raised additional funds by selling tie-dyed t-shirts and lasagnas in the lead-up to the event.
  • The Honey team, who kept spirits high and supplied delicious Springvale Products from Ballarat for player packs.

Their enthusiasm made the event memorable and helped showcase the community spirit that sits at the heart of Pickleball for Purpose.

Attendees at Pickleball for Purpose event by Big Group Hug
Celebrating a Successful Charity Event in Melbourne

The event was the perfect reminder that team bonding doesn’t need to be formal or complicated. A racquet, a court, and a great group of people is all it takes to create a memorable workplace event. We saw colleagues supporting one another, friendships forming between teams, and a sprinkle of light-hearted rivalry on the way to the finals.

Funds raised from the tournament support Big Group Hug and our work assisting vulnerable children and families across Victoria.

Thank You to Our Teams

A huge thank you to every workplace, organisation and supporter who entered a team. Your participation made the day a success, and the atmosphere on the courts was incredible!

  • ADCO Constructions Team
  • Alba P Team
  • Aptella United
  • APW Partners
  • BGH Team
  • Bunnings Thomastown Team
  • BGH Supporters and Administrators
  • Jessica Wall/Muser Wall Team
  • Let’s Just Start Podcast
  • Micheli Team
  • Nick Hotchin Team,
  • Pickle Juicers
  • Roccella Team
  • Team BTS
  • Net Ninjas
  • Big Huggers – Kaz Rowbotham team
  • Dani Cavar Team
  • Dorel Australia
  • Ethan Holmes Team
  • EYW Business Advisory
  • Marco Iacobaccio Team
  • BGH Supporters and Administrators
  • Jessica Wall/Muser Wall Team
  • Let’s Just Start Podcast
  • Micheli Team
  • Nick Hotchin Team
  • Team KoolKidz
  • Dill or No Dill
  • Commit or Rollback
  • Team Nuovo Skin
  • Loueye Inc
  • Graham Smith Team
  • Heta Finau Team
  • Team Honey
  • Illuka Retreats Team
  • Team In-a-Pickle
  • Isabelle Verigos Team
  • Quest Bundoora Team
  • Ikon Services Australia
  • Team Rennie
  • Team Superboost
  • Equans Teams
  • Tom Kinsey Team
  • Hard Hitters
  • Staydry Stylers
  • Debt Resolutions
  • The Pickle Pack
  • TAG Team
  • Team Benji
  • Dennis Family Corporation
Thank You to Our Sponsors and Supporters

Events like this are only possible thanks to the support of volunteers, partners, suppliers, and every person who chose to spend their day on the court with us.

Thank You to Our Food, Beverage and Prize Suppliers

We are grateful to the generous organisations who supplied prizes, food and refreshments, making the day even more enjoyable for players and spectators:

  • Quest
  • Country Women’s Association
  • Holiday Inn
  • Aesop
  • Essendon Fields
  • U2Me Catering
  • Lamaro’s
  • Moon Dog
  • Lancemore
  • Micheli
  • One Way Bakery
  • Lunch Bunch
  • Arid Zone
  • Social Pickleball Australia
  • RMIT University
  • Let It Play Media
Why Pickleball Makes a Great Workplace Event

Pickleball is fast becoming the go-to sport for Melbourne workplaces looking for fun, inclusive, and social team-building ideas. It offers:

  • Easy rules and quick to learn – perfect for beginners!

  • Fast-paced games that encourage teamwork and communication

  • A mix of fitness and fun without being too exhausting

  • A relaxed environment perfect for networking and community fundraising

If your workplace is looking for charity event ideas, corporate bonding activities, or new ways to boost staff wellbeing, Pickleball for Purpose delivers all of this while supporting children in need.

Want to Get Involved in the Next Big Group Hug Pickleball Charity Event?

Whether you’re a business, community group, sporting organisation, or group of friends, you are welcome on the court.

To register your interest for our future pickleball charity tournaments, workplace team-building events, or corporate volunteering opportunities, let us know by clicking on the link below.

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