Working through its local Programs in the United States, Special Olympics is part of Safeway's customer fundraising campaign for people with disabilities.
Safeway has been a supporter of Special Olympics since 2008.
History of Support
Each year Safeway, one of the United States’ leading retailers, dedicates the month of April to raising funds and bringing awareness to helping people with disabilities. In 2008 Safeway Inc. designated Special Olympics as a beneficiary of its successful campaign. While the hallmark of the campaign is a $1 donation at checkout, the company also uses in-store broadcasts and video messages to customers and employees to share information about breakthroughs in research and new programs that help millions of people with disabilities in North America and around the world. To date, Safeway has raised and donated more than $130 million to support organizations including Special Olympics, Easter Seals and a range of other organizations that assist people with special needs.
"Safeway's annual fundraiser is helping to open a whole new world of possibilities and participation for countless people with disabilities," said Special Olympics President and Chief Operating Officer Brady Lum. "As a company that proudly employs thousands of people with disabilities, Safeway knows the importance of allowing people to live, work, and compete on their own terms."
The 2012 campaign kicked off at a launch event in Pleasanton, California on April 3. Special Olympics athlete Jason Romero opened the event by lighting a torch and delivering it to Larree Renda, Chair of the Safeway Foundation. NFL legend Dwight Clark – famous for “The Catch” he received from Joe Montana to propel the San Francisco 49ers into the 1982 Super Bowl – joined pop star Avril Lavigne in festivities that celebrated the achievements of people with disabilities. A highlight was the spirited grocery bagging competition that pitted Clark, Lavigne, Lum, and leaders from Easter Seals against each other with Special Olympic athlete/employees as their coaches.