St. John’s, NL – KidSport NL has teamed up with various restaurants to host the province’s first Pizza Party Challenge. This exciting initiative will see proceeds from the purchase of “KidSport pizzas” going back to KidSport, an organization that helps children facing financial barriers get into the game. 

“We are very excited to see such a positive response from local restaurants and look forward to watching this Pizza Party Challenge ramp-up,” said Alicia Curran, Program Coordinator, KidSport NL. “For the first time we have run out of funding, which points to an increased need in our province. This fundraising campaign will help us reach more children and families and we are grateful for the support from the community at this time.”

So far, Moxie’s Grill and Bar, Yellow Belly Take-out, Newfoundland Embassy, Olio Pizza, Pannizza, and Kilbride Pizza have sign-up. Some have added a KidSport Pizza to their menu, while others are donating funds from any and every pizza order. 

From October 15^th – October 29^th, proceeds from pizza orders will go back to KidSportNL. 

KidSport is encouraging pizza-party-goers to get online and vote for their favourite KidSport Pizza; and will crown a Pizza Party Champion at the end of the two-week campaign. Information and voting will take place on the KidSportNL FaceBook page. 

The NL chapter of KidSport is managed by Sport Newfoundland and Labrador (NL).  

“KidSport is an important resource for so many families in this province who face financial challenges, and we need to come together and keep the funds available to those who need it,” said Troy Croft, Executive Director of SportNL. “We know that getting kids active has direct, positive benefits to their physical and mental health, so it must be accessible. KidSport removes financial barriers and helps ensure that all kids can get off the sidelines. It’s such an important cause and seeing the community come together and these restaurants come onboard to help is quite encouraging.”

KidSport has also teamed up with the FaceBook group “For da love of Zaa” to help promote the campaign. With over 20,000 followers and pizza-lovers online, the hope is to see this Pizza Party Challenge become a real success. 

“We want everyone to get out and visit these awesome restaurants and enjoy some KidSport Pizza Party pizza. It’s a great and delicious way to give back to those in need,” said Curran. 

For more information, or to get involved, please follow KidSportNL on Facebook and Twitter, where updates will be posted regularly, and “Pizza Party Champion” votes will be housed. 

KidSport works to help provide funding to those kids and families facing financial challenges, so they can participate in sport. Getting physically active has a direct positive effect on a child’s physical health. But did you know that physical activity has a direct impact on mental health as well. Kids feel better overall when they are moving; part of a team; feeling empowered; developing leadership and teamwork skills and just having fun. All children should have the chance to get off the sidelines and onto the field, court, ice – or whatever they want to try!