3.31.2006 ET

(CSRwire) PLEASANTON, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 31, 2006--Safeway
(NYSE:SWY) today announced that it will launch a fundraising campaign for Easter Seals, one of the most established and respected charities dedicated to helping people with disabilities and special needs. The company's goal is to raise $1.5 million in the month of April while also raising awareness about Easter Seals' programs and services.

During the campaign Safeway customers can donate by purchasing a paper angel at checkstands in all stores. The angel theme complements Easter Seals' "Angel of Change" program which spotlights people whose contributions or efforts have brought about change. Messages about the fundraiser will air during April on Safeway's in-store radio network, on electronic point-of-sale screens at checkstands, on the company's web site, as well as in print and broadcast advertising.

"Safeway has been a national corporate sponsor of Easter Seals for more than 20 years and we are pleased to add this retail-based fundraising to our partnership," said Larree Renda, Safeway Executive Vice President, Chief Strategist and Administrative Officer and Chairwoman of the Safeway Foundation. "The organization consistently ranks among the most efficient charities at serving people with disabilities," Renda said, adding that all of the funds raised in the company's retail divisions will stay in the communities in which it is raised.

Safeway and the Safeway Foundation, the company's philanthropic arm, have helped raise more than $72.5 million for Easter Seals since 1986. This support helps Easter Seals provide services for people with disabilities, including medical rehabilitation, speech therapy, occupational therapy, job training, adult and child day services and recreational services.

"Some 54 million Americans live with disabilities. For more than 85 years, Easter Seals has worked to provide help and hope for children and adults with disabilities and their families," said James E. Williams Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer, Easter Seals. "We are fortunate that the Safeway Foundation is committed to helping us make a significant difference in the lives of people living with disabilities."

Each year Safeway and the Safeway Foundation give nearly $138 million in food and financial support to education, hunger relief, medical research and other important causes. The Safeway Foundation supports hundreds of vital causes, including the Muscular Dystrophy Association, the Prostate Cancer Foundation and breast cancer awareness and research. In 2005 the Foundation was among the first responders to major disasters, raising $7.4 million for Hurricane Katrina and tsunami relief efforts.

About Safeway

Safeway Inc. is a Fortune 50 company and one of the largest food and drug retailers in North America based on sales. The company operates 1,775 stores in the United States and Canada and had annual sales of $38.4 billion in 2005. The company's common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol SWY.

About Easter Seals

For more than 85 years, Easter Seals has been providing services that help children and adults with disabilities gain greater independence. Our primary services -- medical rehabilitation, job training and employment, child care, adult day services, and camping and recreation -- benefit 1.3 million individuals with disabilities and their families each year through more than 550 centers nationwide.
See great stories at www.easterseals.com.

Copyright Business Wire 2006

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