Good Deed Of The Day: Safeway Raises $10.4 Million for People with Disabilities

Safeway Inc. SWY and The Safeway Foundation announced they raised $10.4 million during the month of April to support Easter Seals, Special Olympics and other organizations that provide critical services to enhance the lives of people with disabilities. Safeway's commitment to helping people with physical and developmental disabilities is just part of the company's overall focus on Corporate Social Responsibility. Safeway also released its 2010 Corporate Social Responsibility Report which chronicles the philanthropic, environmental, and employee programs that positively impact the communities and people that it serves, employs and supports each day. “We are grateful to our customers who chose to help make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities,” said Larree Renda, Safeway Executive Vice President and Chair of the Safeway Foundation. “Thanks to their generosity, Easter Seals, Special Olympics and other organizations that support people with disabilities will be even better positioned to assist this important, but often overlooked, part of our population.” Safeway's month-long People with Disabilities fundraising campaign was carried out in the company's nearly 1,700 stores in the U.S. and Canada. The funds, raised from customer contributions, will be used to provide assistance, job training, therapy and social outlets to people who live with physical or developmental disabilities. Over the years, Safeway has raised nearly $130 million to support these organizations in the local geographies where the money was raised. “We can't thank Safeway, its employees and customers enough for their incredible support,” said James E. Williams, Jr., President and CEO of Easter Seals. “Especially in the current environment, when more families are coming to Easter Seals for needed disability services, Safeway's philanthropic leadership makes a critical difference to us.” "On behalf of the entire Special Olympics family, we are so grateful to Safeway and their customers for their amazing support of our athletes," said Timothy Shriver, Chairman and CEO of Special Olympics. “From providing employment to rallying the community for support, Safeway has proven time and time again their leadership in creating opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities.” Also during April, Safeway partnered with Rebuilding Together, a nonprofit organization that makes facility modifications for people with disabilities. Rebuilding Together affiliates received funding from The Safeway Foundation to modify homes and senior centers in ten cities. In addition, Safeway employees gave hundreds of volunteer hours to complete the work. Modifications included adding wheelchair ramps, widening doorways for wheelchair access, adding grab bars and handrails, as well as painting, gardening and other cosmetic upgrades. The April campaign is one of two annual Safeway fundraisers supporting organizations that focus on the specific needs of people with disabilities. The organizations include The Muscular Dystrophy Association and Augie's Quest.