Cheese For Charity Fundraisers Meet Their Objective: Helping Children's Miracle Network Put Smiles On Children's Faces One Slice At A Time

By: Pizza Pizza | 2 Shares 104 Reads

TORONTO, Dec. 15 /CNW/ - On October 21, as part of a program to celebrate National Pizza Month, thousands of people participated in Pizza Pizza's Cheese for Charity Day to raise money for its Slices for Smiles Fund in support of Children's Miracle Network. Thanks to a series of initiatives throughout the year, Pizza Pizza has been able to provide $100,000 to sick children in 2008 through fundraising programs, and a corporate donation to The Hospital for Sick Children.

Customers who still wish to contribute to their local children's hospitals can do so by leaving change or bills in the Slices for Smiles donation boxes available at all traditional Pizza Pizza restaurants in Ontario and Quebec until the end of December.

"We made a strategic decision to raise funds while offering reduced-priced pizzas to our customers," said Pat Finelli, Chief Marketing Officer for Pizza Pizza. "The outstanding response to our Slices for Smiles program demonstrates that cause-related marketing delivers value to everyone involved, from children in need, consumers, our franchise partners and investors."

Thanks to initiatives like these, as well as product innovations, leading marketing campaigns and organic growth across the country, Pizza Pizza tops the Quick Service Restaurant category demonstrating a growth in market share, reaching over 50% in Ontario in terms of traffic and revenue.

"This spirit of working together with organizations like Pizza Pizza to help children is the lifeblood of our organization, especially when it's win-win." said John Hartman, Chief International Officer of Children's Miracle Network. "The money raised helps in providing critical care, research and education through our network of children's hospitals across Canada. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Pizza Pizza and everyone who joined in to put a smile on the faces of kids that are courageously coping with adversity - we look forward to strengthening this partnership in the near future."

About Children's Miracle Network

Children's Miracle Network is a non-profit organization dedicated to saving and improving the lives of children by raising funds for children's hospitals across North America. Each year, the 170 Children's Miracle Network hospitals - 14 of which are in Canada - provide the finest medical care, life-saving research and preventive education to help millions of kids overcome diseases and injuries of every kind. To learn more go to www.childrensmiraclenetwork.ca.

About Pizza Pizza

Founded in 1967, Pizza Pizza is an industry pioneer and Canada's number one pizza chain. With the 2007 acquisition of Pizza 73, a leader in western Canada, Pizza Pizza operates more than 600 traditional and non-traditional restaurants coast to coast. Pizza Pizza has been behind numerous innovations such as whole-wheat, multi-grain dough, a gluten-free crust and the elimination of industrially-added trans fats from all menu items. Through the years, the company has been a loyal supporter of community groups, helping to organize fundraisers, sponsoring events and supporting local projects at the corporate and franchise level.

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