Program raised $2,500 last season to support local youth through United Way
HAMILTON, Ont. – Feb. 18, 2026 – The Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Carmens Group announced today the return of Kicks for Kids, the club’s longest-running community initiative, for an 18th season in 2026. The program supports underprivileged children in the Hamilton area by funding the purchase of new running shoes, with $2,500 raised during the 2025 season.
“Kicks for Kids is one of the most meaningful ways we give back to our community,” said Amanda Heeren, Manager of Community Partnerships & Player Relations, Hamilton Tiger-Cats. “It creates a direct impact for local youth by helping provide something essential, and we are proud to continue supporting this program.”
Throughout the 2026 regular season, donations will be driven by the Tiger-Cats’ success on the field. For every successful field goal at home games, Carmens Group will donate $100 for each yard over 40, with the Tiger-Cats matching the total contribution. A 45-yard field goal, for example, will generate a $500 donation toward the program.
“At Carmens Group, we believe business has a responsibility to build the communities it operates in,” said Joe Mercanti, Chief Experience and Systems Officer, Carmens Group. “Kicks for Kids has become a cornerstone of that commitment. For 17 seasons, alongside the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and United Way, we’ve turned big moments on the field into real impact off the field and providing more than 1,000 pairs of shoes to local youth. A new pair of running shoes may seem simple, but to a child, it represents confidence, inclusion, and opportunity. We’re proud to continue investing in the next generation of Hamilton.”
At the end of the season, youth connected to United Way Halton & Hamilton-supported agencies will be invited to a special shoe shopping experience, where they’ll select new footwear alongside Tiger-Cats players and Carmens Group representatives.
“Through Kicks for Kids, in partnership with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats & Carmens, we’re turning community spirit into real opportunity for children and youth across Halton and Hamilton,” said Brad Park, President & CEO, United Way Halton & Hamilton. “Every contribution helps remove barriers, ensuring young people have access to the programs, mentorship, and support they need to grow, succeed, and feel a true sense of belonging. When we rally together behind initiatives like this, we’re not just investing in today’s kids, we’re strengthening the future of our entire community.”
The Kicks for Kids shopping event for the 2025 season will take place on Saturday, February 21 at Sport Chek Meadowlands in Ancaster, Ont. Media are invited to attend and are asked to RSVP by emailing ticatspr@ticats.ca.
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) is committed to leading measurable, impactful change by identifying the most challenging issues in our community and bringing together people and resources to address them. We connect volunteers with local needs, and offer training and operational support to local charities. Along with our network of partners and experts, 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, 226,520+ residents across Halton and Hamilton rely on 124 United-Way-supported programs for life-changing services. For more information and to donate visit: www.uwhh.ca.
