Safeway raises $10.7 million for programs that support people with disabilities

PLEASANTON, Calif. A food and drug retailer and its philanthropic arm raised more than $10 million to benefit people with disabilities and will continue their efforts to support such programs.

Safeway and The Safeway Foundation said the during last month's annual Support for People with Disabilities campaign, the retailer raised $10.7 million to support Easter Seals, Special Olympics, the Muscular Dystrophy Association and Augie’s Quest.

The April campaign is one of two annual Safeway fundraisers supporting organizations that focus on the specific needs of people with disabilities. In 2009 Easter Seals named Safeway one of its all-time top corporate partners, having raised and contributed more than $100 million in over a three-decade relationship.

“We are thrilled with this kind of outcome and are moved and gratified by the generosity of our customers and employees,” said Larree Renda, Safeway EVP, chief strategist and administrative officer. “A fundraising result like this will help Easter Seals and Special Olympics continue to make a real and measurable difference in the lives of people with disabilities.”

Also, as part of the April campaign, The Safeway Foundation gave a $275,000 donation to the nonprofit Rebuilding Together to help renovate homes and facilities that serve people with disabilities. Several hundred Safeway employees volunteered their time by working on the rebuild projects in Dallas; Denver; Chicago; Montgomery County, Md.; Oakland, Calif,; Phoenix; Portland, Ore.; Sacramento, Calif.; San Diego and Seattle.

In addition, Safeway contributed to organizations that assist people with disabilities with job placement, on the job coaching and used the April campaign to urge employers to build a better workplace by hiring people with disabilities.