World Vision joins Boston Pizza to help Typhoon Haiyan survivors

Iconic Canadian restaurant chain makes generous donation to relief efforts

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Jan. 15, 2014 /CNW/ - Thanks to the generosity of Canadians from coast-to-coast, the Boston Pizza Foundation presented World Vision with a cheque for $108,000 to support the humanitarian agency's Typhoon Haiyan relief efforts.

Shortly after the devastating typhoon struck the Philippines last November, Boston Pizza franchisees rose to the challenge and agreed to donate a portion of their receipts to World Vision's Typhoon Haiyan Relief Fund. Combined with generous support from the Boston Pizza Foundation, these donations totaled more than $100,000. World Vision will use these funds to continue to support its life-saving efforts to provide food, supplies, medical care and shelter to children and their families affected by the typhoon.

Quotes:

"From the moment news broke about the devastating effects of Typhoon Haiyan, our franchisees were eager to raise money and do whatever they could to help with relief efforts in the Philippines," said Mark Pacinda, president and CEO, Boston Pizza International. "The Boston Pizza community has always come together to provide assistance to those most in need. I'd like to thank our franchisees and store staff, as well as our very generous guests for their tremendous outpouring of support."

"We are extremely grateful to the Boston Pizza Foundation and to the generous patrons of Boston Pizza restaurants across Canada for their support," said Dave Toycen, president and CEO of World Vision Canada. "While we continue to meet the immediate needs of children and their families in the Philippines, we're also working on long-term recovery efforts in the typhoon-affected areas. This donation will assist our efforts to help the survivors rebuild their lives and give children a better and safer future."

Facts on the World Vision's typhoon relief efforts:

• World Vision's relief efforts for survivors of Typhoon Haiyan have reached over 500,000 people in the affected areas, providing food, shelter, medical care and establishing Child-friendly Spaces where children can play and receive support in a safe environment.
  
• Canadians have donated more than $8.2 million to World Vision Canada's Typhoon Haiyan Relief Fund.
  

Facts on Boston Pizza:

• Boston Pizza is Canada's #1 casual dining experience with more than 353 restaurants across Canada
• Since its inception in 1990, the Boston Pizza Foundation has raised and donated more than $17 million to various charities.

To learn more about World Vision Canada's Typhoon Haiyan relief efforts, please visit our website or call 1-800-268-5528.

World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender. Visit our News Centre at worldvision.ca.

Image with caption: "Boston Pizza Foundation donates $108,000 to World Vision Canada's Typhoon Haiyan relief efforts. From left to right, Perry Schwartz, Director of Communications, Boston Pizza International; Mark Pacinda, president and CEO, Boston Pizza International; Sara Lewis, Development Advisor, World Vision Canada; Dave Toycen, president and CEO, World Vision Canada. (CNW Group/World Vision Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140115_C8708_PHOTO_EN_35514.jpg

SOURCE: World Vision Canada

For interviews, media may contact:  Bob Neufeld, Manager, Emergency and Corporate Communications, World Vision Canada, 905-565-6200, ext. 3265 or 647-622-2045. E-mail: [email protected] or Perry Schwartz, Director of Communications, Boston Pizza International, 905-361-3616. E-mail: [email protected]