Washington Safeway Stores Honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month by Raising $698,745 for Research and Supportive Programs

Business Wire, Dec 7, 2005

BELLEVUE, Wash. -- ... Bridging the gap between a diagnosis and a cure for breast cancer

Safeway Inc. (NYSE: SWY) announced today their stores located throughout Washington raised $698,745 during Breast Cancer Awareness Month this past October. Proceeds from the fund-raising campaign will be contributed 100% to University of Washington, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research, Northwest Hospital Foundation, Cierra Sisters, St. Mary's Medical Center, Memorial Hospital, Wellness Place and The Foundation Deaconess & Valley Healthcare.

The success of Safeway's fund-raising campaign stems from their employees who continue to embrace this cause year after year and their loyal customers who make it a priority to contribute. With the two forces working together, this grassroots fund-raising campaign has taken on a life of its own. Since 2001, Safeway's Seattle Division which covers a four-state region (Montana, Washington, Idaho & Alaska) has raised $2.9 million for breast cancer research efforts.

Throughout October, employees in Washington galvanized their efforts to help eradicate the most common form of cancer among women in the United States. Customers willingly participated by donating spare change at the check stands, purchasing pink rubber-band bracelets and rings, and contributing to in-store special events. With no administrative costs to run this campaign, customers and employees alike gave with confidence knowing their contribution was going directly toward breast cancer research that will ultimately help bring about a cure.

"Safeway has long held the position that it is our civic duty to take a proactive role in the fight against breast cancer," stated Cherie Myers, Director of Public & Government Affairs for the company. "Our customers and employees of the Evergreen State in Washington have proven again that it is their generosity and passion toward this cause that is the greatest treasure of all. Without their support and belief in our ability to help bring about a cure, our impact would not be so profound. We look forward to the day when a cure is found for breast cancer that currently holds all women at risk. That will be a day to celebrate with our customers and employees who have contributed so generously over the years."

In total, 195 stores within the Seattle Division participated in the month-long fund-raising campaign. Their combined efforts resulted in a collective contribution of $825,582 with the majority allocated to breast cancer research facilities and within the respective state of where the funds were raised. Beneficiaries include the following leaders in breast cancer research and supportive programs:

--Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center

--University of Washington Breast Cancer Research Program

--Cancer Care Alliance -- Women's Center

--Providence Alaska Foundation for Breast Cancer Programs

--Montana's Barrett Memorial Hospital

--Montana Breast & Cervical Health Programs

--Yakima's Memorial Foundation

--St. Mary's Medical Center in the Tri Cities

--Wellness Place in Wenatchee

--Deaconess Foundation in Spokane

The accomplishment of Safeway's fund-raising efforts reflect their ongoing commitment to humanitarian causes that touch the lives of Safeway customers, employees, family members and friends; individuals we are all likely to know and those who will be enriched because they cared.

About Safeway

Safeway Inc. is a Fortune 50 company and one of the largest food and drug retailers in North America based on sales. The company operates 1,801 stores in the United States and Canada and had annual sales of $35.8 billion in 2004. The company's common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol SWY.