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 https://donate.ottawafoodbank.ca/ui/foodsortchallenge2026.

About Hard Rock®
(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.hardrockottawa.com or shop.hardrock.com.

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, up to 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 $115 million in payments from gaming revenues as a host community, 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