The holiday season is a time of joy, togetherness, and giving back to the community. For the fourth year in a row, Jimmy Hassan, in collaboration with the Canadian Colours Kingston Foundation (CCKF) and Pizza Pizza, led the Santa Slices Initiative—a heartwarming effort to provide fresh, hot pizza slices to those in need across Kingston.
A Community-Driven Effort
The 2024 Santa Slices Project set out with an ambitious goal: donating 1,111 slices to local charities, shelters, and community organizations. However, thanks to overwhelming community support, the initiative far exceeded this target, distributing over 2,500 slices by the end of the campaign.
Making a Difference, One Slice at a Time
The initiative kicked off on December 10, 2024, with MP Mark Gerretsen and his wife, Vanessa, helping prepare the first batch of 100 slices for Tipi Moza – Iron Homes. From there, the momentum grew, with volunteers and donors from all walks of life joining hands to support the cause.
Throughout the month, Santa Slices delivered fresh pizzas to organizations such as:
🍕 St. Vincent de Paul Society – 540+ slices
🍕 Martha’s Table & Two Dawn House Shelters – 400+ slices
🍕 Bridges Kingston, Lunch by George & Integrated Care Hub – 500+ slices
🍕 Kingston Interval House & Adelaide Shelter – 200+ slices
Leaders & Businesses Joining the Cause
The Santa Slices Initiative received immense support from community leaders, city officials, and local businesses, including:
✔️ Mayor Bryan Paterson & MPP Ted Hsu – Helping prepare 300 slices
✔️ The Princess of Wales’ Own Regiment (PWOR) – Donating 200 slices
✔️ Dr. Waji Khan (Cataraqui Woods Dentistry) – Donating $1,000 for an additional 1,000 slices
✔️ Kingston Chief of Police Scott Fraser & Councillor Wendy Stephen – Assisting with final deliveries
The initiative’s success was a testament to Kingston’s incredible spirit of generosity. Businesses, city officials, volunteers, and community organizations all came together to ensure that those in need were fed and felt the warmth of the holiday season.
Mission Accomplished: More Than Just Pizza
On January 4, 2025, the Santa Slices Initiative officially wrapped up, surpassing its goal with a final donation of 200 slices to Kingston Interval House and Adelaide Shelter. Jimmy Hassan, along with Councillor Wendy Stephen and Rukhsana Rehman, led the last batch of deliveries, ending the initiative on a high note.
The success of Santa Slices 2024 proves that small acts of kindness can create a ripple effect of generosity and hope. This project wasn’t just about pizza—it was about coming together as a community to share, uplift, and support one another.
Looking Ahead: A Tradition of Giving
With each passing year, the Santa Slices Initiative continues to grow, inspiring more people to give back and make a difference. Thanks to the leadership of Jimmy Hassan and the support of volunteers, donors, and sponsors, Kingston remains a shining example of what it means to care for one another.
If you’d like to contribute or get involved in next year’s Santa Slices Initiative, stay connected through the Canadian Colours Kingston Foundation (CCKF) and consider donating or volunteering.
Together, we can make the holidays brighter, one slice at a time.
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