This is your sign to pick up a racquet and Rally for Kids
Posted on
Calling budding tennis stars, fundraising enthusiasts, and anyone looking for something fun and different to do this November – this event is for you.
The challenge? To pick up a racquet for a good cause and make a difference to the lives of sick kids and their families by hitting the local tennis courts to raise money for Ronald McDonald House ACT & South East NSW.
Taking place on Friday 13 and Saturday 14 November, Rally for Kids is searching for players of all ages and abilities to join the Rally for Kids McHappy Day Carnival at the Weston Creek Tennis Club.
Featuring a One Point Slam event, free adult and junior tennis clinics, activities for children, a DJ and more, founder of Canberra School of Tennis Mark Walton says that this year’s Rally for Kids event is bigger and better than ever before.
“We pride ourselves on wanting to connect with the community around the area,” he explains.
“Last year we raised just over $15,000. Hopefully, we can aim a little bit higher, with all funds going directly to Ronald McDonald House ACT & South East NSW.”
This year also marks the first collaboration between Ronald McDonald House ACT & South East NSW, McDonald’s Weston Creek, Canberra School of Tennis and Tennis ACT. Building on more than 10 years of community fundraising, the partnership for the 2026 Rally for Kids marks the next chapter of Canberra’s much-loved 24-Hour Tennis Challenge.
As a result, local tennis clubs across the ACT are joining in on the action by hosting their own fundraising events.
“We’ve been trying to connect a little bit more over the last five years, and then Mark La Brooy [CEO of Tennis ACT] reached out to me and asked, ‘How can we get involved?’” Mark says.
“It’s only a small step but maybe it’s something that will grow larger across Canberra, where multiple venues may even potentially do a 24-Hour Challenge.”
For CEO of Tennis ACT Mark La Brooy, the partnership also offers them an opportunity to “use tennis for good.”
“It’s a great sport and something that’s really fun for people of all ages and stages to play. For us to leverage our sport to give back to the local community – in particular, families going through challenging times who need support through Ronald McDonald House – that’s what excites me the most,” he says.
In 2025 alone, Ronald McDonald House helped over 196 families and provided over 3,000 nights of accommodation. Forming part of local McHappy Day celebrations, Ronald McDonald House ACT & South East NSW CEO Eoghan O’Byrne says that Rally for Kids is one of the biggest fundraising events for the non-profit organisation.
“Any amount of money makes an impact. It costs $190 for a family to stay a night – we don’t charge the families; what we do is we just take away the burden of finding accommodation, and offer the comfort of home right near their loved ones at the Centenary Hospital for Women and Children,” explains Eoghan.
“We’re just making sure that we can continue to deliver on the home cooked meal every day, to deliver on the warmth and comfort that we provide within the house, and to ensure that people can stay close together.”
But what is the 24-Hour Tennis Challenge and how does it work? Starting from 4 pm on Friday 13 November, participants can book a one-hour Cardio Tennis session and enjoy a fast, fun and coach-led tennis workout supporting families.
Running continuously until 4 pm the following day, registration is $40 per person for an hour-long slot. You can book a single session, play multiple times, or gather a team to help cover the full 24 hours. All of ticket proceeds and donations from Rally for Kids will go to support the local programs of Ronald McDonald House ACT & South East NSW for families with ill or injured children.
“Whether you play for 24 hours, participate in a One-Point Slam or simply come along and enjoy a BBQ, prizes and support the day, every person that rallies with us helps make a meaningful difference for local families,” says Eoghan.
“Even if you can’t or don’t want to participate if that’s not for you, just come on down and have a look around – it’s quite amazing.”
Other participating clubs:
- Barton Tennis Club
- Belconnen Tennis Club
- Campbell Tennis Club
- Forrest Tennis Club
- Majura Tennis Club
- Manuka Tennis Club
- QueanbeyanPark Tennis Club
THE ESSENTIALS
What: Rally for Kids
When: Friday 13 November to Saturday 14 November
Where: Western Creek Tennis Club, Dillon Close, Weston
Web: Rally for Kids 2026
Images supplied.
