Pizza Pizza personnel are smiling a lot these days, and it's not because someone said "cheese"; but rather because Canada's children's hospitals, which continue to need dough, are getting a good amount of it through the company's Slices for Smiles Foundation.
Founded in 2007, the program has now reached its one millionth dollar raised and Pizza Pizza is interested in doing more with the support of its broad base of customers, employees and franchise operators. The company announces that fundraising efforts resume today, October 15 to November 11 with a special fundraiser that allows customers to purchase designated pizzas at a reduced price with proceeds going to benefit a total of eight Children's Miracle Network member hospitals.
"We've always felt that pizzas and smiles go 'hand-in-hand'," said Pat Finelli, Chief Marketing Officer for Pizza Pizza. "Saving and improving the lives of children is something that is important to our franchisees, our staff and customers. We feel fortunate that we can bring a smile to the lives of children and their families, through this initiative."
The menu items that fall into the fundraiser are a 10″ half pepperoni pizza topped with a smile, available until October 28 for $2, as well as a medium cheese or pepperoni pizza, which is available for $4.99. All traditional Pizza Pizza restaurant locations across Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Nova Scotia will participate in the fundraiser, with proceeds going to the local Children's Miracle Network member hospital in that region.
In addition, customers can support the fundraiser by adding a donation to orders placed by phone, online, in-store and through the Pizza Pizza iPhone app. OHL athletes are also driving-home efforts in their local communities by serving up pizza and hosting local pizza parties to raise funds and awareness.
"In Pizza Pizza's community of customers, partners and franchisees, there are a number of people who have a connection to a children's hospital," said John Hartman, Chief Operating Officer, Canada for Children's Miracle Network. "This fundraiser is a tremendous way to give back - it's easy, fun and delicious. We are delighted to have Pizza Pizza and its customers join us in raising support for critical services, leading-edge research and excellence in care for millions of kids in Canada."
The Slices for Smiles Foundation was created in 2007 during National Pizza Month to commemorate Pizza Pizza's 40th anniversary. Since its inception, the Foundation has raised over $1 million for children's charities in Canada and has been working with Children's Miracle Network for five years.
For more information or to donate to the Slices for Smiles Foundation, visit www.pizzapizza.ca.
