The Hamilton Tiger-Cats were recognized on Grey Cup Sunday in Winnipeg as the 2025 recipients of the Chris Schultz Community Impact Award, presented by Purolator at this year’s Commissioner’s Brunch. The award was accepted on behalf of the organization following a record-setting season of support for the Purolator Tackle Hunger program.
Presented annually, the Chris Schultz Community Impact Award honours the CFL team that demonstrates exceptional leadership in food security advocacy, meaningful community engagement, and significant non-perishable and monetary contributions through the Purolator Tackle Hunger campaign.
This season, Tiger-Cats fans, players, staff, and volunteers rallied together for one of the most impactful campaigns in club history. Purolator Tackle Hunger volunteers collected 253,924 pounds of food for Hamilton Food Share during the Tiger-Cats’ sold-out Labour Day Classic against the Toronto Argonauts on September 1, along with additional food drives throughout the year. The result marked a new all-time record for the organization and contributed to Purolator Tackle Hunger’s ongoing mission to help food banks across the country.
“We’re incredibly proud to receive the Chris Schultz Community Impact Award,” said Matt Afinec, President & Chief Operating Officer, Business Operations. “It reflects our commitment to growing the Purolator Tackle Hunger program and keeping this important initiative front and center throughout the entire season, not just on gameday.”
“Our fans, partners and community members have been unbelievable in their support, and this recognition truly belongs to them. We’re also grateful to Hamilton Food Share for helping us understand where our efforts can make the biggest impact for families across our community.”
Purolator President & CEO John Ferguson presented the award at the Commissioner’s Brunch and acknowledged the impact of Hamilton’s community efforts throughout the 2025 season.
“Every year, Tiger-Cats fans embrace Purolator Tackle Hunger with the same incredible passion and commitment,” said Ferguson. “This year’s record-breaking haul of more than 250,000 pounds is a testament to their ongoing commitment to supporting those in need within their community. We’re proud to recognize them as deserving winners of this year’s Chris Schultz Community Impact Award.”
Hamilton Food Share, the primary beneficiary of this year’s campaign, emphasized the importance of the donations during a time of heightened need across the city.
“There’s something truly special about the Ticats and the way they show up for this community. When it comes to Purolator Tackle Hunger, their support goes far beyond game day,” Haleigh-Rain Paxton, Senior Manager of Fundraising and Development at Hamilton Food Share. “This season, they didn’t just fundraise for Hamilton Food Share — they met youth at Living Rock, helped unload food and spent time learning about the programs that nourish our city. That kind of hands-on leadership is powerful. We couldn’t imagine a more deserving team for this award or a more meaningful partnership. They have earned this recognition wholeheartedly, and we’re incredibly grateful to stand alongside them and Purolator in the fight against hunger.”
Since its inception 22 years ago, the Purolator Tackle Hunger program has helped deliver more than 25 million pounds of food to food banks across Canada. The Tiger-Cats are proud to continue supporting a program that directly strengthens the Hamilton community and helps those facing food insecurity.
This year’s recognition reflects not only the club’s commitment to giving back but also the unwavering support. Fans, volunteers, partners, and staff played a crucial role in making the 2025 campaign the most successful in team history.
