Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa and Ottawa Food Bank Partner for 10th Anniversary Food Sort Challenge
- Ottawa Festival Network
- 2 hours ago
- 5 min read
Ottawa, ON | April 30, 2026
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa is proud to partner with the Ottawa Food Bank to
host the 10th anniversary Food Sort Challenge, presented by Mondeau Bathroom and
Kitchen, a division of Boone, on Friday, May 8, 2026, at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa.
This marks the first year Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa is hosting the Food Sort Challenge, welcoming the milestone event into the Hard Rock Live and LIVE Pre
Function Hall event spaces. The team-based fundraising event brings together
corporate participants from across Ottawa to race to sort 1,000 pounds of food,
supporting food security for families and individuals throughout the city.
Now in its tenth year, the Food Sort Challenge continues to unite community partners
around a shared mission of ensuring access to food for those who need it most. Every
dollar raised supports more than 90 food programs within the Ottawa Food Bank
network, helping deliver healthy and nutritious food across Ottawa. The 2026
fundraising goal is $165,000.
Beyond bragging rights and prizes, the fastest and most accurate team of the day will
earn a permanent place on the official Food Sort Challenge trophy.
“Community is at the heart of everything we do at Hard Rock,” said Christine Crump,
President of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa. “Hosting the Food Sort Challenge for
the first time, especially as it marks ten years of impact, is an opportunity for us to
support an organization that plays such a critical role in our city. We are proud to open
our doors, bring people together, and help ensure more neighbours have access to food
when they need it.”
“For ten years, the Food Sort Challenge has rallied teams around a simple but powerful
goal of helping ensure people across Ottawa can access food with dignity,” said Natalie
Spooner, Interim CEO of the Ottawa Food Bank. “Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Ottawa’s support and leadership as host this year strengthens the impact of this event
and helps us continue meeting the growing need for emergency food support in our
community.”
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa is a longstanding supporter of food security initiatives
in the region. In 2025, the Ottawa Food Bank was selected as a beneficiary of Hard
Rock’s grand opening, resulting in a $100,000 donation, followed by a $6,671 grant
from the Hard Rock Heals Foundation. Hard Rock employees have also supported food drives, including raising $2,500 and 205 pounds of food during the 2025 Holiday Food
Drive.
While team registration for the Food Sort Challenge is now closed, donations remain
open and the public is encouraged to support participating teams and attend the after-
party.
Following the daytime competition, the Food Sort Challenge After Party, proudly
presented by Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa, will take place from 7:00 to 10:00 pm
in Hard Rock Live. The evening will feature live music from The Wind Up, with special
guests The Goods, along with rock and roll trivia, prizes, and a high-energy
atmosphere. Tickets are available for purchase at $30, and the event is 19 plus, with a
cash bar available.
Event Details
What: Ottawa Food Bank Food Sort Challenge and After Party
When: Friday, May 8, 2026
Where: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa
Who: Ottawa Food Bank, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa, corporate teams and
community supporters
After Party: 7:00 to 10:00 pm, Hard Rock Live, tickets $30, 19 plus
To learn more or to donate, visit the Food Sort Challenge website at
About Hard Rock®:
Hard Rock International (HRI) is one of the most globally recognized companies with
venues in over 74 countries spanning 313 locations that include owned/licensed or
managed Hotels, Casinos, Rock Shops®, Live Performance Venues and Cafes. Its
Unity by Hard Rock™ global loyalty program rewards members for doing the things they
love across participating properties around the world. HRI also launched a joint venture
named Hard Rock Digital in 2020, an online sportsbook, retail sportsbook and internet
gaming platform. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world's
largest and most valuable collection of authentic music memorabilia at more than
89,000 pieces, which are displayed at its locations around the globe.
HRI became the first privately-owned gaming company designated a U.S. Best
Managed Company by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal in 2021 and has
since been honored fourfold. Hard Rock was also honored by Forbes among the
World's Best Employers, as well as Best Employers for Women, Diversity and New
Grads and a Top Large Employer in the Travel & Leisure, Gaming and Entertainment Industry. In the 2022 Global Gaming Awards, Hard Rock was named Land-Based
Operator of the Year for the second time in four years.
Hard Rock International currently holds investment grades from primary investment-
grade rating agencies: S&P Global Ratings (BBB-) and Fitch Ratings (BBB). For more
information on Hard Rock International, visit www.hardrock.com or
About Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa:
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa is a world-class entertainment destination in
Canada’s capital, blending the iconic Hard Rock experience with the rich history of the
Rideau Carleton Raceway. Originally opened in 1962 as Canada’s first-ever five-eighths
mile harness racing oval, the site has been a staple in Ottawa’s gaming and
entertainment community for over six decades.
Now fully transformed into Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa, the $350 million resort
features a 150-room hotel, including 22 suites, an expanded gaming floor with up to
1,500 slot machines, 40 live-action table games, and high-limit gaming. Guests can
enjoy six unique dining options, including the iconic Hard Rock Cafe and Council Oak
Steaks & Seafood, alongside three bars, the Rock Shop®, and Hard Rock Live — a
23,000 square foot, 1,900-seat performance venue hosting world-class concerts and
events. Authentic music memorabilia, with a special focus on Canadian music legends,
is showcased throughout the property.
As a proud member of the Ottawa community, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa
employs over 1000 team members and continues a long-standing tradition of
community investment through partnerships, sponsorships, and charitable initiatives.
Since February 2000, the City of Ottawa has received over $116.5 million in payments
from the casino, contributing significantly to local programs and services.
Operated by Hard Rock International and governed by Ontario Lottery and Gaming
Corporation (OLG). With OLG partnership, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa
demonstrates a daily commitment to responsible gambling with full implementation of
OLG’s PlaySmart program and is recognized through the RG Check accreditation
program.
For more information on Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa, visit casino.hardrock.com/ottawa.
About the Ottawa Food Bank
The Ottawa Food Bank is the main emergency food provider in the National Capital
Region and has been serving the community since 1984. The Ottawa Food Bank works
in partnership with a network of over 90 community food programs that include
community food banks, food cupboards, meal programs, multi-service programs, kids’
summer nutrition programs, and after-school snack programs. The Ottawa Food Bank
network receives more than 588,866 visits for food support annually. Sadly, 37% of
Ottawa Food Bank clients are children. With a focus on fresh, and thanks to the
community’s support, nearly 7.9 million pounds of food is distributed from
the 2001 Bantree Street warehouse each year.
Media Contacts
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa
Mary Jelley
Ottawa Food Bank
Tricia Johnson (Director, Communications and Development)
613-745-7001 ext. 119
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