Canadian tennis star Milos Raonic has made a major gift to (Re)Build a #TennisNation, helping the campaign reach over $850,000 in funds raised. Generous donations from Tennis Canada’s valued partners and service providers, as well as loyal private donors, also had a large part to play in the campaign raising the staggering total.
It is fitting that Raonic, who turns 30 on December 27, should cap off the campaign after Bianca Andreescu and Félix Auger-Aliassime kicked it off so robustly. Their matching donations up to $50,000 each – along with Co-CEO of Spin Master Anton Rabie – ensured (Re)Build a #TennisNation made a tremendous start. After all, Andreescu and Auger-Aliassime were around 11 years old when Raonic made his breakthrough in 2011, climbing from World No. 156 to No 37 in the space of just a few weeks and winning his maiden ATP title in San Jose, California. His success helped provide these future stars with the belief that their hard work and dedication could result in record-breaking performances. Now, they want to ensure Canada’s next generation are given the support they need to also succeed on the world stage.
“It’s a pleasure for me to contribute and be part of this campaign,” Raonic commented. “I was inspired by the immense level of support for Canadian tennis, and I recognize the great progress that has been made over many generations. I wanted to do my part and not let this pandemic stall the momentum of Canadians succeeding in tennis. I am a proud Canadian and relish the support I get from Canadians wherever I play, for which I am truly grateful. As importantly, I love seeing other Canadians succeeding at all levels of tennis. My gift is only one of many, and like everyone else my hope is to see Canada stand proud and strong as a leading tennis nation for many years to come.”
Since the launch of (Re)Build a #TennisNation, many of Tennis Canada’s partners and service providers rallied in support of the initiative and have made significant contributions, as have around 275 public and private donors. Their immense generosity adds to that of Andreescu, Auger-Aliassime, Rabie, a group of past and present Tennis Canada board members and a cohort of Canadian Hall of Fame inductees, all of whom were instrumental in the success of the campaign thanks to their matching donations.
“When we launched the campaign a month ago, we had no idea the final tally would surpass $850,000,” Michael Downey, President and CEO of Tennis Canada, said. “It’s really amazing. What the campaign has really demonstrated, though, is that Canadian tennis is backed by a large group of tennis fans who want our sport to move in one direction and at one speed – fast forward. On behalf of Tennis Canada, I want to extend sincere thanks to each and every donor who contributed to our goal of rebuilding a tennis nation.”
Donations for the campaign can still be made online by visiting www.tenniscanada.com/donate. The (Re)build a #TennisNation campaign launched on November 9 on Tennis Canada’s digital platforms and officially runs until the end of December.
