Canadiens to hold fundraiser to battle homelessness during final home game of 2025

The Montreal Canadiens have announced a pair of initiatives aimed at battling homelessness in the city.

The team announced on Wednesday that for their final home game of 2025, which is on Saturday, the 50/50 raffle would go to the Old Brewery Mission.

On top of the 50/50, a coat and boot drive will also be held at the Bell Centre ahead of the game.

“Since October 2022, our fans have helped us raise millions of dollars for our Montreal Canadiens Children’s Foundation through our 50/50 raffles held both in-arena and online for every home game,” said France Margaret Bélanger, President, Groupe CH Sports and Entertainment.

“This year, we are pleased to be able to extend the positive impact we can make on our community through these initiatives by supporting other important causes. Combating homelessness in Montreal is chief among them, and for over 135 years, the Old Brewery Mission has been a leader in our city doing exactly that. We look forward to helping contribute to the outstanding work they do as we approach the midway point of their campaign to raise $50 million by 2028, and we thank the Mirella and Lino Saputo Foundation for their great generosity in joining us in this regard.”

Not only will the Canadiens donate the funds raised by the 50/50, they are also planning to match the amount of the charitable split with an equivalent corporate donation. An additional donation will also be made from the Mirella and Lino Saputo Foundation. Those wanting to purchase 50/50 tickets can do so online.

As for the coat and boot drive, fans attending the game are encouraged to bring gently-used winter coats and boots to donate at outdoor collection points on Canadiens Plaza.

“We’re deeply appreciative of the Montreal Canadiens organization and their fans for this gesture of solidarity, as well as that of our longstanding partner, the Mirella and Lino Saputo Foundation,” said James Hughes, President and CEO of the Old Brewery Mission.

“The funds and materials collected through these initiatives will directly support our efforts to provide essential services and lasting solutions to people suffering from homelessness. We are both institutions with over 100 years of history making winters better for our fellow citizens in Montreal; together, we’re helping prove that sport can be an important driver of compassion and social change.”

Saturday’s 50/50 will be the second of four special 50/50 raffles held by the Canadiens this season. The first was on Nov. 11, which raised funds for True Patriot Love. Details regarding the third and fourth will be released in January.