Pizza Pizza Franchise launches ‘Slices for Smiles’ week in support of Children’s Miracle Network

Press release
For immediate distribution

April 26, 2010 (Toronto) – Pizza Pizza, Canada’s largest pizza chain, invites smile-hungry Canadians to consider ordering a pizza from April 26 to May 2 to help support children’s hospitals across the country through its annual April Slices for Smiles Fund campaign.

Customers can support the fundraiser by purchasing a medium pepperoni pizza  for six dollars in store or by ordering a pair of medium pepperoni pizzas for twelve dollars online at www.pizzapizza.ca.  A portion of proceeds from the sale of these menu items will be donated to Children’s Miracle Network to support leading-edge research, specialized equipment purchases, education programs and treatment at children’s hospitals across Canada.

Other ways to support the fundraiser include purchasing a Miracle Balloon in-store or through outright donations online, over the phone or at a Pizza Pizza restaurant. Pizza Pizza will also be hosting special events throughout the week in select cities across Ontario and Quebec with celebrity athlete appearances.

 “Children deserve the best hospital care possible,” said Pat Finelli, chief marketing officer for Pizza Pizza. “We launched Slices for Smiles in 2008 to help bring smiles and happiness to children and our customers. There’s nothing more important than bringing smiles to the faces of children presently undergoing hospital treatment. ”

The money contributed by Children’s Miracle Network to hospitals is ‘undesignated,’ meaning the the hospital and its foundation get to place the money where it is needed most in order to ensure a high level of care for all. Funds raised from the Slices for Smiles initiative also stay in the local market where the original donation was made.

“Pizza Pizza customers have been very generous over the years,” said John Hartman, chief international officer at Children’s Miracle Network. “On behalf of all our children’s hospitals, thank you to Pizza Pizza and their customers for their continued support. We’re all ready to sink our teeth into this special fundraiser.”

Pizza Pizza’s Slices for Smiles Fund has raised more than $380,000 for children’s charities since its inception in 2008.

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 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.

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