CFLFFC Kickoff Parties Raise Over $10K

#ShoutItFromTheRooftop

On Saturday, March 7, CFL fans in multiple cities across the country gathered to socialize and kick off the 20th anniversary of the 2026 CFL Fans Fight Cancer initiative. Whether it was Tringo in Regina, sociables with alumni and a new head coach in Hamilton, a “lights out” silent auction table in Edmonton, or a rooftop rendezvous in Calgary, drinks were had, rivals broke bread, and most important of all, a lot of money was raised in the fight against cancer. CFL Fans Fight Cancer is a fan-driven initiative that brings together supporters from all CFL teams to raise money and awareness in the fight against cancer.

We start out in Hamilton, where Ticats and Argo fans joined together in the spirit of fundraising at the Wingporium at The Prince Eddy. Close to 50 fans showed up to take part in a fun silent auction, raffle prizes, 50/50, and to hear from special guest Argonauts alumni along with new head coach Mike Miller, who shared his personal experience with throat cancer.

One of the hosts, Randy Newman, shared his thoughts on what CFLFFC means to him this season: "What it means to me is always the same… raising money, awareness, and also bringing together this CFL community."

Pumpjacks Cathedral was the place to be for Rider fans in Regina. There was even a BC Lions fan and a couple of Bomber fans who joined in the fun. Close to 80 people showed up to play Tringo, a trivia game with a bingo twist! The Regina kickoff showed the strength of the Rider fan community and the dedication of local volunteers committed to the CFLFFC mission. Fans were treated to 10 fantastic silent auction prizes, including a game-worn Jeremy O’Day jersey, and other prizes, highlighting local businesses. It also happened to be one of the co-hosts’ birthdays, and a “birthday shot donation” package was included with the Tringo tickets. Birthday boy, Sheldon Jones, was very surprised when the Saskatchewan Roughriders Pep Band showed up to play Happy Birthday.

Sheldon added: "I was blown away by the number of people who showed up for our event. It was a great birthday, and we are so grateful that we had so many generous folks come out to buy our bundles and bid on prizes. It means the world to me to be part of CFLFFC, as it hits close to home after losing my father to cancer in October of last year.

In Edmonton, about 30 Elks fans made their way to 1st RND and were treated to some amazing silent auction prizes. One of the highlights was two custom 3D-printed CFL lightboxes (a retro CFL logo and EE logo), but there were many more.

Host Andrew Hoskins added his thoughts on being involved in CFLFFC: "Having been able to be more involved in the last few years, I’m excited to help with this year’s campaign. Raising money for the province I live in that can impact people I know means a great deal."

Finally, in Calgary, 47 fans showed up at the beautiful Rooftop YYC, including Krystal Clements, Special Events Coordinator for the Alberta Cancer Society. There were fans from many different teams, and they all enjoyed the beautiful venue that will also host the flagship event on November 14 during Grey Cup weekend.

One of the hosts, Deb Rulé, shared: "This year we really wanted to focus on unity. This isn’t about one fan base fighting cancer, it’s CFL Fans Fight Cancer. Every fan base has been impacted by cancer, and together we can build something that lasts for years to come."

There was also a small but mighty group of BC Lions fans who met up in New Westminster, BC, but due to special circumstances, a rescheduled date is expected to be announced soon.

Collectively, CFL Fans Fight Cancer kickoff events raised over $10,000, with additional donations still coming in as the 20th anniversary campaign continues. All in all, it was a great kickoff to the season. With the season just getting started, CFL fans across the country can expect more events, more community, and more opportunities to make a difference as the 20th anniversary campaign continues toward Grey Cup weekend.

Sheldon Jones,

Co-host of 2 and Out CFL Podcast

CFL Fans Fight Cancer

t was a great kickoff to the season. With the season just getting started, CFL fans across the country can expect more events, more community, and more opportunities to make a difference as the 20th anniversary campaign continues toward Grey Cup weekend.

– Sheldon Jones, CFL Fans Fight Cancer