Safeway Launches Breast Cancer Fundraising Campaign; Company to Raise $5.5 Million in October

Business Wire, Oct 3, 2005

PLEASANTON, Calif. -- Safeway Inc. (NYSE:SWY) today launched its 2005 Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign with a goal of raising $5.5 million in October for a range of breast cancer research and treatment programs in its operating areas. In the last four years Safeway and the Safeway Foundation have raised more than $11 million for breast cancer charities. E[acute accent]During October Safeway customers will be given an opportunity to donate by purchasing a paper pink ribbon, the symbol of breast cancer awareness, located at every checkstand in all stores. In addition to a range of other store fundraising activities, including contests and special product sales, customers will be given the opportunity to purchase pink wrist bands that feature the pink ribbon and the words "Strength-Hope-Courage." E[acute accent]"Raising breast cancer funds and awareness has become an important October tradition at our company. The disease is a major health threat to women, and we've made a significant commitment to raising funds for programs focused on finding a cure and raising awareness," said Larree Renda, Safeway Executive Vice President and Chairwoman of the Board of the Safeway Foundation. "Breast cancer affects so many of our customers, employees and their families, and the urgent call for a cure is so compelling." E[acute accent]The company also announced that singer and breast cancer survivor Melissa Etheridge has joined Safeway in its 2005 Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign. The Grammy winner's new CD, "Greatest Hits: The Road Less Traveled," will be sold in all Safeway stores in the United States. The CD contains four new songs, including "I Run for Life," Etheridge's anthem for women whose lives have been impacted by breast cancer. Proceeds of the "Greatest Hits: The Road Less Traveled" CD sold in Safeway stores will benefit the breast cancer programs supported by Safeway and the Safeway Foundation. E[acute accent]Along with the in-store activities, Safeway will be involved with community events throughout the country. The company sponsors 10 Susan G. Komen Foundation races, called "Race for the Cure," across the U.S. As part of a collaborative effort, Kimberly-Clark and participating partners will donate $250,000 to the Safeway Foundation for the Breast Cancer Awareness program. The donation is an extension of Kimberly-Clark's HEALTH, HOME AND HOPE program, which benefits breast cancer treatment and research. E[acute accent]The Safeway Foundation will distribute 100 percent of the proceeds to organizations that conduct research or provide services and treatment for breast cancer patients. E[acute accent]In addition to the fundraising efforts, Safeway will be raising awareness of breast cancer, which is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths among women. Messages will appear during October on milk cartons, on the company's in-store radio network, on electronic point-of-sale screens at the checkstand and on the company's website.

E[acute accent]ABOUT SAFEWAY

E[acute accent]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 more than 1,800 stores in the United States and Canada and had annual sales of $35.6 billion in 2004. The company's common stock is traded

on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol SWY.