KINGSTON, Ont. — Since an announcement earlier this year that Pita Pit had partnered with the not-for-profit organization, Motionball, the QSR has not only helped to spread Motionball’s message, but has also served as the organization’s official lunch partner, providing healthy meals to athletes and support-staff at nationwide Marathon of Sport events.
Motionball’s mandate is to raise greater awareness of and further funds for the Special Olympics Canada Foundation, and Pita Pit’s recent fundraising efforts during its national conference in Whistler, B.C. brought in more than $65,300 in donations from its franchisees.
“We are proud to help write the latest chapter in the long, rich history of Motionball and to support the incredible work they do that’s helping to change lives across the country,” says Chris Fountain, CEO of Pita Pit Canada. “This partnership was a natural fit for us because Pita Pit owners across Canada are already involved with Motionball events at the local level. Watching our franchisees come together at our annual conference to donate their own money to this worthwhile cause is a great start to this new relationship.”
Pita Pit franchisee, Marcia Lunn, was credited with initiating the chain of donations by placing an $8,000 bid for Special Olympics athlete and Pita Pit employee, Ethan Mustard, to fly to her store and serve as brand ambassador for one day. Following her move, other Pita Pit franchisees were inspired to put in their own donations, leading the QSR to quickly reach the $65,000 mark — $23,000 of which was donated by one franchisee alone.
“It’s all too easy to go about our day-to-day lives and complain about the simple things — things we often take for granted,” Lunn says. “When I heard Ethan’s story, I realized how much we have to be thankful for. It’s so easy to overlook the troubles of others, so I wanted to do something truly impactful. I wanted to show Ethan how much we all care. To have so many Pita Pit franchisees chip in as well to make this happen proved to me what I already knew — that we really are one big family. We’re all here to support each other. I hope this donation to Motionball helps to touch the lives of many others like Ethan.”
