Pizza chain raising dough to support mental health

It’s one of the reasons the nationwide pizza chain is on a mission to raise more than $300,000 as part of its newly registered charity ‘Minds & Meals.’

On World Pizza Day on Friday February 9, Domino’s will donate $1 from every pizza sold and ten cents from every soft drink purchased in its 900 Australian and New Zealand restaurants.

The company said 'Minds & Meals' is supporting youth mental health through a national partnership with Headspace, under which the mental health charity will contribute $750,000 over three years to support thousands of 12 to 25-year-olds across Australia.

Domino’s ANZ CEO and Minds & Meals executive director Don Meij called on all pizza lovers to raise some "dough" for youth mental health.

“As one of the largest employers of young people, Domino’s recognises the urgent need for youth mental health support in our communities,” said Mr Meij.

Headspace CEO Jason Trethowan said he was excited to work with Domino’s to make a meaningful impact on youth mental health across Australia.

“With two in five young people experiencing a mental health disorder each year, the work of headspace has never been more important,” said Mr Trethowan.

Mr Trethowan said with support from family, community and services such as Headspace, young people could get through tough times and look forward to a healthier and more hopeful future.

“By partnering with Domino’s Minds & Meals, more young people will be able to get support from Headspace when and where they need it most.”

As part of the fundraising drive, Domino’s said it is also committed to helping provide disaster relief during times of crisis.

The company said the fact it operates in so many communities across Australia combined with its expertise in delivering large numbers of meals fast, puts it in a unique position to respond quickly in times of major crisis.

“We are privileged to be in the position to respond quickly in times of major disaster and get safe, hot meals to those who need it most," said Mr Meij.

“I’m incredibly proud to be supporting both important causes through our new registered charity Minds & Meals, which is only made possible through the generosity of our customers who round up their orders and purchase pizza on Domino’s for Good Day (World Pizza Day).”