April 20, 2011 (Toronto) – Don’t be startled this month if you look down at your pizza tray and have something smiling back at you. Pizza Pizza is tapping into its inner child with the addition of a smile-shaped pizza slice to its fundraising efforts in support of Slices for Smiles and children’s hospitals in Canada. The 10” half pizzas, which features a smile composed of 8 slices of pepperoni, will be available at Pizza Pizza locations in Quebec from April 25 to May 8 with a portion of the proceeds going toward the company’s Slices for Smiles Foundation.
Pizza Pizza is inviting customers to make donations to the program through online orders and via its call centre. The company will match these funds to a maximum of $10,000. Pizza lovers will also have the opportunity to support the campaign by texting “MIRACLE” to 45678 to make a $5 donation to Children’s Miracle Network.
“Helping to improve the quality of life of Canadian families, and children in particular, is a part of our culture, corporate objectives and even our training programs,” said Pat Finelli, chief marketing officer for Pizza Pizza. “We’ve been in the smile business since day one, which makes this new smile-shaped pizza all the more symbolic for all of us at Pizza Pizza.”
Fundraising events will take place during the weeks of April 25 and May 2 at select hospitals and Pizza Pizza locations across Canada. The events will feature fun activities for kids and athlete appearances to help drive awareness and funds.
The Slices for Smiles program began in October 2007 and has become Pizza Pizza’s primary charitable program, raising more than $595,000 for children’s charities in less than four years. The company hopes to raise more than $100,000 with a similar fundraiser happening in October, during National Pizza Month.
“Our partnership with Pizza Pizza goes beyond philanthropy and donations,” said John Hartman, chief international officer for Children’s Miracle Network. “The staff and management at Pizza Pizza have personally touched the lives of many children, parents and even hospital staff because they are sincere about their partnership and drive for the wellbeing of children. The focus on smiles really does justice to this outstanding commitment.”
Children’s Miracle Network supports leading-edge research,
specialized equipment purchases, education programs and treatment
at children’s hospitals across Canada.
About Children’s Miracle Network
Children’s Miracle Network® raises funds for 170 children’s hospitals, 14 of which are in Canada. These hospitals, in turn, use the money where it’s needed the most. When a donation is given, it stays in the community, ensuring that every dollar is helping local kids. Since 1983, Children’s Miracle Network has raised more than $4 billion, most of it $1 at a time. These donations have gone to support research and training, purchase specialized equipment, and ensure excellence in care, all in support of our mission to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible.
About Pizza Pizza Limited
Founded in 1967, Pizza Pizza Limited is Canada's pizza pioneer and one of the country’s most successful quick service restaurant chains. With its Pizza Pizza and Pizza 73 banners, the company plays an active role in the communities it serves through fundraisers, donations and local sponsorships at the corporate and franchise levels. The company is guided by a mission to provide the “best food, made especially for you” with a focus on quality ingredients, customer service and continual innovation.
