Local man hopes for fundraising ace

Harbour View South resident Markus Deutsch (left) is planning an eight-hour tennis marathon in support of Siloam Mission on Sept. 7. Also pictured are Siloam director of resource development Judy Richichi and Deutsch's eight-year-old son Josiah. (Photo: Dan Falloon)

By The Herald, Canstar Community News

Prayer led Markus Deutsch to create a fundraiser for Siloam Mission.

"We have a walk-in closet, and I go into the walk-in closet and I pray there," said the Harbour View South resident. "I was just sitting there, sometimes I just listen there, and basically, what I got was ‘Why don’t you do a fundraiser for Siloam?’"

Newly inspired, Deutsch decided to create Tennis for Siloam, which is planned for Sept. 7 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The fundraiser, which will take place at the Kildonan Tennis Club at 17 Valhalla Dr., will consist of Deutsch and three friends playing tennis for eight hours.

"Why don’t I combine those two things — having fun and also challenging myself?" said Deutsch, who plays tennis three to five times per week. "Usually, after three hours, I get tired, so I thought about doing an eight-hour match.

"My goal is to have four (players) so we can rotate and get a massage or an adjustment in between. Usually, after three hours, I feel (it in) my lower back."

Deutsch, who has never organized a fundraiser before, will be glad for any donation that is made, but hopes to see people pledge in increments of $3.11 — the cost for one meal at Siloam Mission — for each hour played. He hopes to raise $10,000 from the event.

He said Siloam’s work with Winnipeg’s homeless population, which he said goes above and beyond a meal and a bed, is a godsend for those trying to travel the right path.

"Sometimes they went the wrong way, but it shows that they’re trying to get back on their feet," he said. "Siloam helps them in not just providing food, not just providing shelter, but also helps to get them back on their feet."

Deutsch said he played tennis growing up, but really embraced the sport about five years ago after an injury all but ended his soccer career. He said his competitiveness carried over into the new sport.

"I can’t play without points. It’s too boring," Deutsch said. "It’s always very competitive."

Siloam director of resource development Judy Richichi said the number of community initiatives to support the shelter has increased in recent years.

"It’s a good thing, because we need everybody. We need everybody’s little bit," she said.

The rain date for the event is Sept. 14.

For more information on Siloam Mission, located at 300 Princess St., go online at
www.siloam.ca