$5.5 Million Donation Makes Safeway Largest Giver to Easter Seals

PLEASANTON, Calif. -- Safeway, Inc. raised $5.5 million for Easter Seals during a month-long charity event, making it the largest corporate donor to the charity, which assists people with disabilities and special needs.

The retailer raised the funds during an April campaign in which customers were provided an opportunity to donate at store checkstands. The campaign also included awareness-raising messages at retail and on the company's Web site, as well as in print and broadcast advertising. In addition, Safeway plans to raise $1.3 million for the charity this year through a range events including golf tournaments and gala dinners -- bringing the overall total raised to more than $6.8 million.

"This exceptional fundraising outcome is a direct result of the generosity of our customers and the energy of our store teams," said Larree Renda, Safeway e.v.p., chief strategist and administrative officer, and chairwoman of The Safeway Foundation.

The Safeway campaign in April coincided with Autism Awareness Month -- an Easter Seals campaign to raise awareness of autism services and treatments available to families. Easter Seals provides services and support for children and adults living with autism.

Easter Seals is just one of many charities and causes that receive financial sponsorship from Safeway and The Safeway Foundation. In 2006, the retailer gave more than $154 million in cash and product donations and products to a wide array of causes. In addition to assisting 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 various organizations supporting breast cancer awareness and research.

Safeway and The Safeway Foundation have helped raise more than $78 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.

Safeway operates 1,755 stores in the United States and Canada and had annual sales of $40.2 billion in 2006.
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