Alberta Flood Relief tops $250,000 at Canada Safeway Stores

CALGARY, Aug. 1, 2013 /CNW/ - Canada Safeway has a long standing tradition of responding to the needs of the community, and the devastating floods that took place in southern Alberta last month were no exception.  Since June 21^st over $250,000 has been donated in support of the relief efforts, including; support to local communities, food for front-line emergency response teams and $161,311 generously donated by Safeway customers and employees in support of the Canadian Red Cross.

"The community efforts throughout the flood were phenomenal. With organizations such as Canada Safeway stepping up to offer food to front line emergency workers, it certainly made our role much easier," said Rick Hanson, Chief of Police, Calgary, Alberta.

"The Canadian Red Cross appreciates the outpouring of support from Canada Safeway," says Sue Phillips, Canadian Red Cross Director General for Western Canada. "Their generous contributions helped to ensure the basic needs of Albertans were met immediately following the floods, and the donation announced today will continue to assist those in need as we stand by Albertans down the long road to recovery."

"We are extremely proud of our Safeway employees and their quick response during the southern Alberta floods.  As we all watched the rivers rise on June 20th, our team rolled up their sleeves and within hours identified multiple areas where we could help," said Chuck Mulvenna, President and Chief Operating Officer for Canada Safeway.  "We were once again inspired by the communities we serve. Heartfelt thanks go out to our very generous customers who made a donation through our stores to the Canadian Red Cross. The Safeway community rallied together in this difficult time, reaching out to fellow Canadians to help lessen the toll that continues to be felt across southern Alberta," continued Mulvenna.

Our support started with over 5,000 sandwiches and some 40,000 snacks and bottles of water that were provided to emergency workers in Bragg Creek, Calgary, Okotoks, High River and Medicine Hat.  Over the past several weeks an additional 25,000 bottles of fresh water have been donated to First Nations Reserves including Morley, Siksika and Eden Valley. And in addition to partnerships with local community associations and businesses, over 390,000 items have been donated to the Canadian Red Cross such as snacks, fresh fruit, bottled water and cleaning supplies to assist neighbours in their clean-up efforts. Canada Safeway continues to work with the Canadian Red Cross in the re-building effort.

Canada Safeway has a history of supporting the communities we serve in times of disaster, including the Edmonton Tornado, Manitoba Floods, Slave Lake Fires and other local emergencies.

SOURCE: Canada Safeway Limited

Betty Kellsey
Public Affairs Manager
Canada Safeway Limited
403-730-3511
Email:  [email protected]