September 2, 2024; Hamilton, Ontario, CAN; Hamilton Tiger-Cats defeat the Toronto Argonauts 31-28 in the Labour Day Classic at Tim Hortons Field. Photo by John E. Sokolowski
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Carmens Group are proud to announce the return of the club’s longest-running community program, Kicks For Kids, for a 17th season in 2025. Last year, the initiative raised $2,500 for new shoes for local youth from United Way Halton & Hamilton agencies.
“We are thrilled to partner with Carmens Group and announce the return of our Kicks for Kids program, our longest-running community initiative,” said Courtney Stephen, Senior Director of Marketing & Community Partnerships with Hamilton Sports Group. “This program gives us the opportunity to support the youth in our local communities by providing them with the essential footwear they need for their everyday lives.”
Kicks For Kids raises money for the purchase of running shoes for underprivileged kids through the accomplishments of the Tiger-Cats field goal kickers. During all regular season home games, when the Tiger-Cats kick a successful field goal, Carmens Group will donate $100 for each yard over 40. For example, a 45-yard field goal will equal a $500 donation. Matching donations will also be made by the Tiger-Cats. At the end of the season, the Tiger-Cats will invite youth from various United Way agencies to go shopping for new shoes with members of the Tiger-Cats and representatives from Carmens Group.
“We are incredibly proud to support the Kicks for Kids initiative. Giving back to the children of our community is essential, and through this program, we make a tangible difference in their lives, and help them step confidently into their future,” said PJ Mercanti, Carmens Group.
At the end of each season, The Tiger-Cats and Carmens Group will welcome youth from various United Way agencies to go shopping for new shoes alongside Ticats players and representatives from Carmens Group.
“At United Way Halton & Hamilton, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, and a new pair of shoes can make a world of difference. We are incredibly grateful to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Carmens Group for their continued commitment to empowering local youth through the Kicks for Kids initiative. By working together, we can help ensure that every child has the support they need to take their next steps—both on and off the field,” said Brad Park, President & CEO, United Way Halton & Hamilton.
The Kicks for Kids shopping event for the 2024 season will take place on March 1 at the Sport Chek at the Meadowlands Power Centre.
About Carmens Group
Carmens Group is a hospitality, food-service, and development company operating over 10 brands with 450 employees. In 1978, Peter, Sam and Morris Mercanti partnered with their uncle Carmen Mancini to start Carmen’s bakery on Concession Street. The bakery’s catering division expanded, and the brothers were able to buy land on the east Mountain where they opened their event venue, Carmens Event Centre, in 1987. Over the years, Carmens Group has expanded to include the C Hotel, Baci Ristorante, Hamilton Convention Centre, and the Lakeview. The company is also involved in the Hamilton Urban Precinct Entertainment Group (HUPEG) project, supporting the revitalization of the city’s entertainment venues and downtown core. Most recently, Carmens Group also launched a new off-premise catering division fig&lemon Catering, acquired majority interests in Mama Yolanda’s Gourmet Lasagna, and added the Arlington Hotel and River’s Edge in Paris, Ontario. In January 2025, they acquired The Good Earth Good and Wine Co., a celebrated winery and bistro nestled in the heart of Beamsville, Ontario.
About United Way Halton & Hamilton
United Way Halton & Hamilton (UWHH) invests in programs that lay the foundation for lifelong success. The “All That Kids Can Be” initiatives address goals from early literacy to leadership development, which give our youngest citizens the experiences, skills and inspiration they need to become engaged and productive adults. UWHH connects volunteers with local needs, and offers training and operational support to local charities. UWHH conducts research and works with key stakeholders to generate support for the not-for-profit sector. Each dollar raised is invested right back into the community. Today, 220,568+ residents across Halton and Hamilton rely on 117 United Way supported programs for life-changing services. For more information and to donate visit: www.uwhh.ca.