Giant Tiger has been a tremendous partner of ours over many seasons with both the Ottawa 67’s and Ottawa Fury FC. Their partnership has been rewarding and engaging for all involved, including for players, coaches and fans. Giant Tiger’s partnership focuses on three main elements: community, family, and fun. These aspects are executed and fulfilled through various ways throughout the Fury FC season and into the 67’s season.

A community initiative Giant Tiger tackled during the Fury FC season was captivating young soccer players through community practices. A group of Fury FC coaches, players and Sparky travelled to local communities across the Greater Ottawa Area where they interacted with grassroots children. At each community practice, Giant Tiger had a kiosk area set up with their branded tent, along with the distribution of mini co-branded soccer balls, a face painting station, and the presence of their mascot, Friendly. In addition, all community practices were supported by all Ottawa Fury FC social channels providing brand exposure. A total of three local soccer clubs were visited – amounting to a total interaction of 775 children and parents. This opportunity provided Giant Tiger with direct community engagement and brand awareness outside of their presence at Fury FC matches.

More recently, on October 25th the Ottawa Fury FC Annual Awards Gala were held in commemoration of the highlights for the 2019 USL Championship season. In attendance was Carole Bertrand, the Charitable & Events Coordinator of Giant Tiger to present the Community Award. This award was given to the player that best represented the club in the Ottawa community throughout the season. This year’s winner was Jadon Vilfort for his outstanding contribution to the soccer community and Fury Fit program.

On the 67’s side of things, Giant Tiger is the presenting partner of the ‘I Heart Hockey Saturday’s.’ This initiative provides families with access to attend Saturday home games for a low cost. For $30, fans can get a ticket to a game and a co-branded mini stick – this experience also showcases a different alumni player each game on the mini-sticks and an activation displayed by Giant Tiger. This activation features a 10’ x 10’ interactive and information kiosk which includes the branded Giant Tiger tent, face painting station, and giveaways for kids! Additional assets are integrated including brand exposure on LED, and the Giant Tiger logo incorporation into websites, emails, and social feeds for all Saturday games.

On top of their Saturday programming, Giant Tiger had their game sponsorship on October 27th – it featured our annual spook-tacular Lansdowne Fright. This game encouraged fans to dress up in their best costumes and offered trick-or-treating around Lansdowne for the children to enjoy! All trick-or-treaters were provided a Giant Tiger branded candy bag to collect all their goodies. Inside the arena, Giant Tiger took over the concourse where they offered mini sticks, thunder sticks, treats, and of course a face painting station! Friendly the mascot was also there to enjoy the fun. This opportunity was a fang-tastic way to engage families and children to support the Ottawa 67’s through a Halloween themed experience.

Through multiple integration strategies, Giant Tiger is able to effectively execute the inclusion and importance of community, family, and fun throughout their partnership with the Ottawa Fury FC and Ottawa 67’s. We look forward to continued growth and additional brand building in our valued partnership with Giant Tiger.