Dominos helps sick kids charities across Canada with pizza day

By Greg Coulter

Four-year-old Rylee of Kingsville has seen more than multiple lifetimes of hospitals stays, spending 117 days in acute care in London.

Her mom Caroline explains she was born with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), a defect in an unborn baby’s diaphragm, the muscle that divides the chest cavity and abdominal cavity. CDH occurs when the diaphragm does not close the right way during the baby’s development and abdominal organs push (“herniate”) through the defect into the chest cavity.

In Rylee’s case, her vital organs were pushed into her upper chest cavity. Her heart was shifted, with her main complication being born with only one functioning lung, that being only half its size. Following corrective surgery her mom is cautiously excited that Rylee will make a complete recovery as she grows older. Presently she is receiving supplemental oxygen to assist her.

Rylee, a Children’s Health Foundation Ambassador, her mom and brother Jacob were on hand on July 19 at the Dominos Leamington location to greet customers and even assist in the kitchen as part of a major fundraiser for the foundation.

On Tuesday, July 19, Dominos Canada offered pizza at a reduced cost with $1 from each sale going to the Children’s Hospitals. The Leamington location on Erie Street South was bustling all day long with the promotion. Team members Jovan, Sasa, Tyson, Simran, Tarpan, Akansha, Sam and manager Brandy pause for photo with Children’sHealth foundation Ambassador Rylee, her mom Caroline and brother Jacob, who were on hand in support of the event.

Dominos general manager Brandy noted that all 580 Domino locations across Canada were partaking in this event. Cheese or pepperoni pizzas were available at only $3.99 with a dollar from each sale being donated to the Children’s Health Foundation.

With 25 staff on hand, the Leamington location hoped to sell 2,200 pizzas for the day. Even mid-afternoon multiple orders were constantly heading out the door.

Rylee’s mom expressed a heartfelt thanks to everyone for the continued support. She graciously acknowledged the London Ronald McDonald House for their accommodation assistance during Rylee’s medical journey.