Safeway raises $11.2M for charities for people with disabilities

Pleasanton, Calif. Safeway’s fundraiser in April to support Easter Seals and Special Olympics raised $11.2 million, a record for the company.

Every April and August, Safeway raises funds through customer donations and company-sponsored events to support multiple organizations and causes for people with disabilities. The recent 2009 Disabilities Campaign launched on April 2, World Autism Awareness Day, and commenced with a corresponding event at a Washington, D.C. Safeway store.

The funds raised this year will support Easter Seals programs that offer rehabilitation, therapy, training, employment, recreation and autism services to people with disabilities. A portion of the funds will be put toward special grants that provide job training and expand autism programs. Funds will also support the Special Olympics mission to provide year-round sports training and competitions for people with intellectual disabilities.

To date, the company has raised more than $121 million for these organizations.