These pizza franchises are serving up positivity, one slice at a time
From supporting charitable organizations to organizing fundraisers and community events, meet the franchises that are showcasing the power of pizza by making a positive impact in their local communities. Join us as we explore the inspiring ways in which these pizza franchises are topping the charts in generosity, one slice at a time.
Pizza Hut
When contemplating ways to give back, sharing your own expertise with those who could see the most benefit is a logical approach. That’s the thinking behind Pizza Hut’s new national social purpose program, Equal Slice, which provides a 40-hour “mini-MBA,” one-on-one coaching, and access to capital to help small business owners get to the next level.
“We wanted to choose something true to the brand. Our business was founded many years ago by two brothers who had a dream and were able to make the business what it is today,” says Chelsea Hamlyn, chief people officer, Pizza Hut Canada.
Yet another goal was to increase business diversity, which is why Equal Slice focuses on minority, immigrant, Indigenous, and disabled-owned businesses. “This is an opportunity for us, given the platform we have, to provide opportunities for those who need it most,” says Hamlyn. To help connect with eligible businesses and develop a solid vision for the program, Pizza Hut partnered with Initiative for a Competitive Inner City, a non-profit that’s, “dedicated to transforming under-served areas of major urban centres.”
While Hamlyn says that hyperlocal focus has long been a source of pride, it makes it challenging to share those successes. “It’s been harder for us to showcase the work we do in that charitable space, because all our franchisees are doing different things. But we’re hoping that now that we have a national social purpose program, we’ll be able to do a better job of showcasing the work that our franchisees are doing and communicate that in a big way, from a brand perspective.”
Hamlyn adds that the franchise is content with ramping up the program slowly, as it’s more interested in getting it right than doing it fast. “I think it’s definitely going to evolve over time and continue to grow, but we’re trying to do that in a way that’s manageable, to build the credibility and the excitement,” says Hamlyn. “I’m quite excited to be able to take it to the next level.”
Pizza Nova
Throughout the month of May, the company invites customers to add a dip to their order and 50 cents will be donated to Variety Ontario.
“Every child has unique gifts, talents, and abilities,” says Domenic Primucci, president of Pizza Nova. “As longstanding partners of Variety, our customers know we’re committed to the organization, the important work they do and, most importantly, to the children who benefit from their programs. I know they appreciate the awareness and the added financial support this brings.”
Pizza Nova launched That’s Amore Pizza for Kids 24 years ago, but with the arrival of COVID-19, the organization had to come up with a new way of campaigning that would support the initiative and keep customers safe.
“The campaign used to be one day only and focused on an in-store pizza promotion,” says Primucci. “In 2021, we launched this new monthly format featuring dips and the results have greatly exceeded our expectations. Our dips are delicious year-round but, in May, it’s the time to do even more dipping and sampling to benefit the good cause.”
The 2021 campaign raised some $200,000 for Variety and the 2022 edition surpassed that with $203,000. In total, the Pizza Nova annual campaign for Variety has raised more than $2 million.
“Pizza Nova is one of our largest and most committed corporate donors,” said Karen Stintz, president and CEO of Variety. “At around this time each year, we feel their deep passion for our work and the children who benefit from our programs and facilities. But the truth is they’re present and supportive all year. We cannot thank them enough and invite all Ontarians who can to get into the dipping-giving action.”
For more than 70 years, the programs at Variety have helped thousands of children with physical and mental disabilities by providing an accessible facility at Variety Village, specialized programs, dedicated staff, and a community in which everyone is equal and welcome.