The longstanding rivalry between University of Montana-Missoula and Montana State University-Bozeman stretches beyond the ball fields - and all the way to charity. These two major Montana universities and the communities that cheer them on have been competing against one another, for 21 years running, in the friendliest fight this side of the Mississippi: the Can the Griz/Cats Food Drive.
For a little over two decades, the Missoula and Bozeman communities have benefitted from the canned food donations that this charity drive provides. From November 6th-20th of this year, goods were accepted at various locations within the two cities, and the school with the most pounds of food was named the winner on the final evening of the food drive. In 17 out of the past 21 years, the MSU Bobcats have canned the Griz, but 2020 was different. The UofM Grizzlies delivered an upset this year, winning the competition with 671,707 lbs of canned food. Still, the Cats brought in an admirable 403,183 lbs. The 2020 combined total of both towns was a whopping 1,074,890 pounds!
Given the unprecedented times we're seeing, food banks and pantries are seeing a higher need than usual. This year’s donations especially will have a positive effect on many of our neighbors during the holiday season. UofM’s donations will be heading to the shelves at the Missoula Food Bank & Community Center and the University of Montana Food Pantry. MSU’s cans will make their way to the Gallatin Valley Food Bank and the Bounty of the Bridgers campus food pantry.
Once again, PureWest was beyond excited to take part in this fun, charitable event. While PureWest's Missoula and Bozeman real estate offices are ultimately on the same team, make no mistake — the Cats/Griz rivalry between the two is strong! Pair that with a great opportunity to give back to their communities, and we have a friendly competition on our hands between our agents. 
Montana State University in Bozeman. PHOTO: Tim Evanson
This year, PureWest's Missoula office came out on top, tipping the scale with 2,150 lbs in donation totals. The PW-Bozeman office brought in a hefty 555 lbs of donations, bringing the PureWest Christie's total donation to 2,795 pounds. Congratulations to the PureWest Missoula office for winning the competition this year!
Though this one donation drive might be over for the year, it doesn’t mean PureWest is going to stop giving anytime soon. We love to serve our communities and look forward to helping in other ways during the holiday season. Stay tuned for more of PureWest giving back!
Featured Photo: Joel Muniz
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