Pizza 73 launches Slices for Smiles week in support of children’s hospitals, smiles and extra savings

April 22, 2010 (Edmonton, AB) – Pizza 73 invites hungry Canadians to visit any of its traditional stores from April 26 to May 2 to benefit from a special offer in support of Slices for Smiles, a program devoted to children’s charities. The campaign will direct funding toward leading-edge research, specialized equipment purchases, education programs and treatment at children’s hospitals across Canada through Children’s Miracle Network.

During the fundraising period, customers can purchase a walk-in medium 12” pepperoni pizza for $7.99, with a percentage of proceeds going to Children’s Miracle Network in support of its efforts to save and improve the lives of more than 2.6 million hospitalized Canadian children each year.

“No child should have to spend a lot of time in a hospital,” said Pat Finelli, chief marketing officer for Pizza 73. “We know our Pizza 73 customers and local partners will step up to the plate, to assist in our efforts to bring smiles to the faces of children by helping to provide them with the best care possible. ”

Customers can also contribute to the fundraiser through purchasing Miracle balloons available at Pizza 73 locations, and through other donations in-store, over the phone and online.

“Pizza 73 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 73 and their customers for their continued support. We’re all ready to sink our teeth into this special fundraiser.”

Funds raised from the Slices for Smiles initiative stay in the local market where the original contribution was made. Additionally, the money contributed by Children’s Miracle Network to its member hospitals is ‘undesignated,’ meaning the hospital and its foundation get to place the money where it is needed most.

Together with its parent company, Pizza Pizza, the Slices for Smiles Foundation has raised more than $380,000 for children’s charities since its inception in 2007.

About Children's Miracle Network

Children’s Miracle Network is an international non-profit organization that raises funds for more than 170 children’s hospitals, 14 of which are in Canada. Compassionate organizations, media partners and countless individuals unite with Children’s Miracle Network hospitals to help sick and injured kids in local communities. Donations to Children’s Miracle Network create miracles by funding medical care, research and education that saves and improves the lives of more than 2.6 million Canadian children each year. To learn more, visit childrensmiraclenetwork.ca.

About Pizza 73

Pizza 73 aims to satisfy each and every customer by providing excellent quality food and true value in a fast and friendly manner. The company is a leader in the communities in which it operates by providing in kind support and volunteers to numerous charities, events, youth programs, and sports teams at the corporate and franchise level. Visit www.pizza73.com for more information.