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Safeway Kicks off National Campaign to Raise Funds to Assist People with Disabilities

Safeway Kicks off National Campaign to Raise Funds to Assist People with Disabilities

Published 04-02-07

Submitted by Albertsons Companies

PLEASANTON, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 2, 2007--Safeway today announced the launch of a month long campaign during the month of April to raise funds for community-based programs to assist people with physical and developmental disabilities. The company will raise $5 million for Easter Seals - one of the most well respected organizations dedicated to helping people with autism, developmental disabilities, physical disabilities and other special needs.

"Easter Seals is one of the leading providers of community-based services for individuals and families living with a disability," said Larree Renda, Safeway Executive Vice President and Chair of The Safeway Foundation. "They are a trusted brand when it comes to helping people with disabilities overcome obstacles and lead normal, productive lives."

During April each of Safeway's 1,500+ stores in the U.S. will collect donations at checkout and hold special fundraising events. The company will also raise awareness of Easter Seals' mission of caring for people with physical and developmental disabilities and special needs resulting from any cause -- whether diagnosed at birth or incurred through disease, injury or the aging process.

Easter Seals serves more than one million children and adults with disabilities and their families through a nationwide network of more than 450 service sites. According to Easter Seals, one in five Americans lives with a disability, highlighting the importance of these community-based programs to families throughout the United States.

Safeway is proud to partner with Easter Seals in 2007, marking more than 20 years supporting its programs. Since 1985, Safeway and The Safeway Foundation, the company's philanthropic arm, have helped raise nearly $78 million for Easter Seals.

"We've long counted Safeway among the most important corporate sponsors for Easter Seals," said James E. Williams, Jr., president and chief executive officer, Easter Seals. "Their demonstrated abilities as a fundraiser and clear passion for the cause have translated into real improvement in our ability to deliver community based services to people with disabilities."

Safeway's campaign also includes informational outreach to customers and employees to raise awareness of Easter Seals' mission of caring for people with any range of physical or developmental challenges. During April messages about Easter Seals will be posted on the Safeway.com web site, included in print and radio advertising, aired over the in-store radio network and featured in employee newsletters and company-wide broadcasts.

The April campaign coincides with Autism Awareness Month and Easter Seals' effort to bring attention to the dramatic increase in the number of children and adults with autism. As the fastest-growing developmental disability in the world today, increasing at an annual rate of 10-17 percent, more than 1.5 million Americans currently live with autism and as many as one in every 166 children is diagnosed with the condition each year. With help from Safeway and other supporters, Easter Seals and the Autism Society of America plan to improve access to and delivery of local autism services and treatments for autistic people throughout the country.

Easter Seals is one of many important charities and causes that receive financial sponsorship from Safeway and The Safeway Foundation. In 2006 Safeway and The Safeway Foundation gave more than $154 million in donations and products to a wide array of causes. In addition to helping people with disabilities, the company supports hunger relief, education and health and human services programs, including the Muscular Dystrophy Association, the Prostate Cancer Foundation and breast cancer awareness and research.

About Safeway

Safeway Inc. is a Fortune 50 company and one of the largest food and drug retailers in North America. The company operates 1,761 stores in the U.S. and Canada and had annual sales of $40.2 billion in 2006. Safeway's common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol SWY.

About Easter Seals

Easter Seals is the leading non-profit provider of services for individuals with autism, developmental disabilities, physical and mental disabilities, and other special needs. For more than 85 years, we have been offering help and hope to children and adults living with disabilities, and to the families who love them. Through therapy, training, education and support services, Easter Seals creates life-changing solutions so that people with disabilities can live, learn, work and play in their communities. Support children and adults with disabilities at www.easterseals.com.



Copyright Business Wire 2007

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Albertsons Companies

Albertsons Companies

Albertsons Companies is a leading food and drug retailer in the United States. As of February 26, 2022, the Company operated 2,276 retail stores with 1,722 pharmacies, 402 associated fuel centers, 22 dedicated distribution centers and 20 manufacturing facilities. The Company operates stores across 34 states and the District of Columbia with 24 banners including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw's, Acme, Tom Thumb, Randalls, United Supermarkets, Pavilions, Star Market, Haggen, Carrs, Kings Food Markets and Balducci's Food Lovers Market. The Company is committed to helping people across the country live better lives by making a meaningful difference, neighborhood by neighborhood. In 2021, along with the Albertsons Companies Foundation, the Company contributed nearly $200 million in food and financial support, including approximately $40 million through our Nourishing Neighbors Program to ensure those living in our communities have enough to eat.

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