Safeway Hits $3.5 Million Mark in Katrina Relief Donations

PLEASANTON, Calif.-(BLACK PR WIRE)(BUSINESS WIRE)– Safeway Inc. said that its retail and support operations have raised and contributed more than $3.5 million to the Hurricane Katrina relief effort on the Gulf Coast. The company began raising funds within hours of the first reports of Katrina’s impact on the region. Safeway’s more than 1,800 stores across North America joined the effort with checkstand and canister-based fundraising for the American Red Cross relief effort. At the same time, the company mobilized a series of food and water contributions from both its Texas and other U.S.-based distribution centers. The company continues to ship truckloads of donated food, water and essential supplies into the affected region. Safeway donated 10,000 American Red Cross Emergency Preparedness Kits that contain blankets, flashlights, first-aid supplies and other necessities. The Safeway Foundation also pledged a major financial contribution that would match employee donations to the Katrina relief effort. “Our customers and employees have yet again demonstrated their generosity by coming to the aid of people in need,” said Safeway Executive Vice President Larree Renda. “We are gratified by their response, and we will continue to raise funds for the American Red Cross and other local and regional charities that are bringing relief to the Gulf Coast.”