CFL AND PUROLATOR DEEPEN COMMITMENT TO FOOD SECURITY
Renewed partnership introduces CFL Thanksgiving Weekend presented by Purolator
TORONTO (October 6, 2022) – The Canadian Football League (CFL) and Purolator are renewing and deepening their commitment to championing food security across the nation. The organizations are proud to introduce CFL Thanksgiving Weekend presented by Purolator (October 7-10). This complements the long-standing Purolator Tackle Hunger® program with the league that features food drives at CFL home stadiums throughout the season.
“Thanksgiving is such a special time for many Canadians,” said John Ferguson, President and CEO of Purolator. “But for some, food security remains a challenge. We’ve seen the power of the Purolator family and football fans coming together for Purolator Tackle Hunger for almost two decades. And this holiday weekend is the perfect time to begin a new tradition: to not only give thanks, but to also give the gift of food to those in need.”
On Saturday, October 8, during CFL Thanksgiving Weekend presented by Purolator, a food drive will be held at BMO Field while the Toronto Argonauts host the BC Lions. Purolator Tackle Hunger Red Bag campaigns will continue to be held across Canada throughout the season where volunteers distribute bags in communities and collect them the following week filled with non-perishable donated food items, which are then delivered to local food banks.
“Whether directly or indirectly, food insecurity affects someone we know – a friend, a neighbour, a classmate or a family member,” said CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie. “This Thanksgiving weekend, we’re asking our fans to join us once again in showing we are stronger together.”
In addition to delivering CFL Thanksgiving Weekend presented by Purolator, the organizations will continue the long-standing tradition of raising food and funds for Canadian food banks during the Grey Cup, the nation’s largest single-day sporting event.
The 109th Grey Cup will take place on Sunday, November 20, at Mosaic Stadium in Saskatchewan. With their renewed partnership, Purolator will continue as the presenting partner of the Commissioner’s Tailgate, where the CFL welcomes honoured guests and VIPs to take in the sights, sounds and spectacle of the big game as one team is crowned Grey Cup champions.
ABOUT THE CANADIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Built on a foundation of more than 110 years of football tradition and history, the Canadian Football League features nine teams, millions of fans and a commitment to service to the community, as well as elite sport. To stay up to date with CFL news, visit CFL.ca.
ABOUT PUROLATOR TACKLE HUNGER®
Canadian food banks saw an average of 1.3 million visits per month last year, according to the 2021 Food Banks Canada Report. As part of Purolator’s commitment to helping alleviate hunger in the communities where it operates, the organization works closely with its employees, partners, agents, customers and Canadian food banks to collect donations and help raise awareness about the issue of food insecurity in Canada. Purolator’s Red Bag campaigns began in 2018 to collect more food donations, whereby Purolator Tackle Hunger volunteers distribute reusable Red Bags in their communities, collect the bags filled with non-perishable goods and deliver the contents to local food banks. Since its inception in 2003, the Purolator Tackle Hunger® program has helped deliver more than 18 million pounds of food to food banks across Canada. For more information, visit purolatortacklehunger.com.
Courtney Reistetter