Pizza Nova and Variety Village’s That’s Amore for Kids Dip ‘n Give fundraiser runs for the month of May
By JOSHUA McGINNIS
A slice and a dip can make a difference — especially this year, as Pizza Nova and Variety Village kicked off the 26th annual That’s Amore Pizza for Kids fundraiser on Thursday, May 1, at southwest Scarborough’s Variety Village.
The event marks the start of a month-long campaign created by Pizza Nova and Variety Village to support the community-based fitness, health and social facility at 3701 Danforth Ave.
Variety Village is an inclusive space, offering accessible programs for children and adults of all abilities, with a focus on individuals with disabilities and promoting healthy, active living.
Throughout the month of May, 50 cents from every dip purchased at participating Pizza Nova locations will be donated to Variety Children’s Charity of Ontario. Since the program’s launch in 1999, Pizza Nova has raised more than $2.6 million for the Variety Ontario community.
For the first time, the campaign will also feature a weekly pop-up pizza shop every Thursday at the Variety Village Café, serving cheese and pepperoni slices alongside a variety of dips during the month of May.
Charlie Johnstone, president and CEO of Variety Ontario and Variety Village, spoke about the annual event’s importance at the launch celebration on Thursday.
“The That’s Amore for Kids Dip`n Give campaign allows us to reach larger audiences and raise awareness about the importance of inclusive sports and programming,” said Johnstone. “It’s not only a fun collaboration with Pizza Nova, but it also enables us to generate revenue for inclusive sports, equipment and programs, helping thousands of kids across Ontario. This year was extra special because, for the first time, we launched a Pizza Nova pop-up on Thursdays throughout May at our very own Variety Café.”
Johnstone added that the event’s success is measured by both community involvement and awareness around the campaign, along with understanding that proceeds directly support programs and facilities for children with disabilities.
“Success is further measured as Pizza Nova continues to support this initiative in their true spirit of giving back,” he said. “As partners for 26 years, together we’ve positively impacted the lives of thousands of children with disabilities through their involvement in the sports and programs offered at Variety Village.”
Pizza Nova, a Scarborough-born pizza chain founded in 1963 by Sam Primucci, has worked with Variety Village on several charitable initiatives since their partnership began in 1999.
In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the pizza chain and its suppliers donated $120,000 to support the organization when the annual fundraiser was cancelled due to mandated health restrictions.
Domenic Primucci, president of Pizza Nova and son of founder Sam Primucci, shared why the company remains committed to supporting Variety Village.
“Variety Ontario and Variety Village allow children to see that they have the ability to do things they thought they could never do,” said Primucci.
“By seeking solutions rather than focusing on problems, Variety sends children a strong message: there’s always a way — it just takes imagination and determination. Variety’s kids are breaking down societal barriers every day by showcasing their abilities at Variety Village and in their own communities.”
Primucci also spoke about Pizza Nova’s excitement for the 2025 fundraiser.
“We couldn’t be happier to support Variety, one of the most inspiring community-based organizations I’ve ever seen,” he said.
“Everyone deserves to feel welcome, and that’s why Variety’s work in helping children access inclusive sports, activities and skill development is so important. Proceeds from every dip purchased this May will open new doors of opportunity for countless children.”
For more information about the That’s Amore Pizza for Kids Dip`n Give campaign and Variety Village, visit: https://varietyontario.ca/pizzanova/
