TORONTO, ONTARIO–(Marketwire – June 15, 2011) – A warm smile still holds big value in the eyes of Canadian consumers, Pizza Pizza and Children’s Miracle Network. Thanks in part to smile-shaped pizza’s, introduced in April as part of the company’s Slices for Smiles fundraiser, Pizza Pizza has raised $100,000 for Children’s Miracle Network, making this April’s fundraiser its most successful one yet.
“Smiling always pays off, but never quite like this,” said Pat Finelli, chief marketing officer for Pizza Pizza. “This April, we set the bar higher than ever with a fundraising goal of $100,000 and are proud to say the funds raised from our smiles will go straight to the well deserving children’s hospitals.”
The fifth bi-annual campaign marked the introduction of a 10″ half pizza that featured a smile composed of eight slices of pepperoni, serving up a friendlier way to enjoy a tasty and cheesy dish for a good cause. Pizza Pizza locations across the Canada sold more than 120,000 smile-shaped pizzas during the month of April.
“We are delighted to see Pizza Pizza’s Slices for Smiles campaign grows year after year,” said John Hartman, chief international officer for Children’s Miracle Network. “The support we receive from our partners is crucial in helping our hospitals provide the world-class service they are known for, so it’s reassuring to know that we can always rely on our friends at Pizza Pizza. Pizza Pizza and its customers have been great supporters since 2008.”
Funds were raised through multiple channels including in-store, text messaging, and through orders placed on Pizza Pizza’s centralized call centre and online ordering system. Funds raised locally will be allocated to the closest Children’s Miracle Network partnered hospital, in support of leading-edge research, care and equipment. These children’s hospitals will determine exactly what to do with the money; they know best where it is needed the most.
Including funds raised in April 2011, the Slices for Smiles campaign has raised $695,000 for children’s charities since its inception in 2007.
About Children’s Miracle Network
Children’s Miracle Network(R) 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 tens of millions of dollars for children’s healthcare 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. Learn more at www.ChildrensMiracleNetwork.ca.
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. Visit www.pizzapizza.ca and www.pizza73.com for more information.