Ontario-based pizza chain Pizza Nova wrote out a big, fat check topping $200,000 to Variety, the Children’s Charity of Ontario, after recently winding up its annual That’s Amore Pizza for Kids campaign.
This year marked the 24th anniversary of the partnership between the two organizations, which has resulted in more than $2.5 million raised to date. For the 2023 campaign, Pizza Nova raised $206,847 for Variety.
Variety helps enrich the lives of thousands of children living with physical and mental disabilities, offering them a place “to be themselves and to be better than ever.”
Related: Pizza Nova turns famous jingle into a ringtone
In the month-long fundraiser for Variety held in May, Pizza Nova invited customers to add a dip to their order and 50 cents would be donated to Variety.
“We could not be happier with the results,” Domenic Primucci, president of Pizza Nova, said in a press release. “Each year, the campaign receives outstanding support from our franchisees, employees and guests. It’s a great source of joy for all of us and showcases the extent to which we are all connected, especially through a common care for our youth. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Variety and appreciate all they do.”
“Pizza Nova has shown ongoing dedication and commitment to Variety since 1999,” said Karen Stintz, president of Variety. “This donation means Variety can help more kids have a chance to play and build life skills and get the support they need.”
The partnership began in 1999. Philanthropy and giving back to the community have been core values of Pizza Nova since the pizza restaurant’s beginnings in Scarborough, Ontario, the company said. This year, the money raised from the campaign will help fund programs and resources to create the right and supportive environment for young children to develop confidence and leadership skills.
Pizza Nova also recently donated $61,500 to Villa Charities, a nonprofit that enriches lives through experiences and services that honor Italian culture and heritage. The funds will support the Villa Colombo Toronto long-term care home. The money was raised through Pizza Nova’s annual golf tournament fundraiser. In the past 26 years, Pizza Nova has drummed up more than $710,000 for Villa Charities.
“Each year, our annual golf fundraiser allows the Pizza Nova family to come together and support worthy causes as a community,” Primucci said. “We are grateful to our partners for their continued generosity and to Villa Charities for the work they do to support the community and honor Italian heritage.”
Pizza Nova celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. It has more than 150 stores and concession locations in southern Ontario.
