In Montana, the rivalry between the Montana State University Bobcats and the University of Montana Grizzlies is about more than football. Each year, leading up to the Brawl of the Wild, communities across the state come together for a friendly competition with a much bigger purpose: helping fight hunger throughout Montana.
PureWest Christie’s International Real Estate is proud to once again support the annual Cat-Griz Food Drive, now in its 27th year. This longstanding tradition brings together Griz and Bobcat fans, local businesses, and communities to collect food and monetary donations for local food banks and campus food pantries.
A Friendly Rivalry with a Meaningful Purpose
Known as Can the Cats in Missoula and Can the Griz in Bozeman, the annual food drive gives both communities an opportunity to rally behind their teams while supporting neighbors in need. Although the friendly competition continues between the two cities, the shared goal is the same: making a meaningful difference for individuals and families experiencing food insecurity.
The 2026 food drive runs from Saturday, November 7, through Saturday, November 21, when the University of Montana Grizzlies and Montana State University Bobcats face off in the 125th Brawl of the Wild rivalry football game in Bozeman. Donations collected throughout the two-week competition help stock local food bank shelves and provide additional resources for students through campus food pantries.
How to Get Involved
There are several ways to participate in this year's food drive. Community members can donate nonperishable food items, make monetary contributions, organize a workplace or neighborhood food drive, or participate in local fundraising events.
Every donation counts toward the competition total, with each dollar donated counting as one pound of food. Whether it's a few cans from your pantry or a monetary contribution, every gift helps support local organizations and the people they serve.
PureWest is collecting nonperishable food donations at our Bozeman, Ennis, and Missoula offices. Stop by one of our locations and help support this year's friendly competition while giving back to Montana communities.
For additional donation information, participating locations, and community events, visit Can the Cats or Can the Griz.
Supporting the Communities We Call Home
At PureWest, we believe strong communities are built by people who show up for one another. We're proud to support this longstanding Montana tradition and the local organizations working to make a difference for individuals and families across the state. We encourage our clients, friends, and neighbors to get involved and contribute what they can to this year's food drive.
Go Griz and Go Cats!
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