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Safeway Donates Over $1.3 Million for Critical Breast Cancer Research and Prevention Programs in Western Washington

Posted on: Wednesday, 19 December 2007, 15:00 CST

Safeway Inc. (NYSE: SWY) today announced it donated $1,365,185.13 for critical breast cancer research and prevention programs in Western Washington. The announcement follows a month-long breast cancer fundraising and public service campaign in all of Safeway's stores where customers, employees and suppliers joined together in making donations to help find a cure and bring awareness to the devastating disease that impacts millions of women and families each year.

"As a longstanding partner with premier cancer research and treatment facilities in Western Washington, we remain steadfast as a company to aid in the fight against breast cancer. By partnering with the most innovative research institutions and focusing on critical prevention programs, we are confident a cure will be found within our lifetime," said Cherié Myers, Director of Public & Government Affairs for the Seattle Division of Safeway Inc.

The funds raised in Western Washington were presented to the following beneficiaries:

Breast Cancer Research Institute in the amount of $800,000 -- Represented with strong leadership from the University of Washington Medical Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, the funds will support a full spectrum of breast cancer research.

Seattle Cancer Care Alliance in the amount of $315,185.13 -- for the operation of the mobile mammography van which was donated by Safeway in December 2006. The mobile-mammography van is sponsored solely by Safeway in partnership with the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (SCCA). It was conceived as a way to bring the SCCA's high-quality mammography services to women who would not otherwise be screened for early-stage breast cancer. Starting in 2007, this clinic on wheels reached women who do not have easy access to mammograms due to difficulties with transportation, child care, work or other issues. The mobile clinic is designed to fill a critical need by significantly increasing the number of women in our region being screened with digital mammography for breast cancer. The mobile-mammography clinic is directed by Connie Lehman, M.D., Ph.D., who also directs breast imaging at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance and the Department of Radiology at the University of Washington.

Dr. Julie Gralow of the Wellness Center at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance in the amount of $200,000 -- for breast cancer research. Dr. Gralow is a UW Medicine medical oncologist. She has dedicated her life to fighting breast cancer. The Women's Wellness Clinic at SCCA was Dr. Gralow's brainchild, and many of her long-term follow-up patients are taking advantage of the services offered by this new clinic, which is just for women who are cancer survivors.

Dr. Wendy DeMartini of Seattle Cancer Care Alliance in the amount of $50,000 -- for breast cancer research. Dr. DeMartini is an Assistant Professor at the University of Washington. After completing her radiology residency and fellowship in breast imaging at the UW she joined the faculty three years ago to engage in clinical work, teaching and research. Her research emphasis has been on better use of breast MRI. Safeway's grant will enable her to continue her research focusing on more effective methods of detecting and diagnosing breast cancer in women.

Safeway has become a corporate leader in cancer research, providing nearly $70 million for breast cancer and prostate cancer causes during the past six years. Safeway dedicates the month of October to raising money for breast cancer research and prevention programs where customers are able to make donations at each checkstand and purchase specially marked "pink ribbon" products in stores.

In addition to raising funds, this year's campaign focused on educating women about detection and prevention of breast cancer, the second-leading cause of cancer deaths among women. The company reached millions of women through public service messages that appeared in radio commercials, electronic point-of-sale screens, in-store signage, weekly print sales circulars and the safeway.com website. Grammy and Oscar winner Melissa Etheridge, a breast cancer survivor, lent her name and voice to the public service messages and donated proceeds from the sale of her new critically-acclaimed CD "THE AWAKENING" sold in Safeway stores to breast cancer research and awareness programs. Ms. Etheridge also performed at The Safeway Foundation's benefit Gala on November 3 which raised $1.4 million for foundation.

"Safeway customers and employees have defined what it means to be passionate about something they truly believe in," stated Cherié Myers, Director of Public & Government Affairs for the company.

"The overwhelming support we received throughout our fundraising campaign only strengthens our commitment to work toward the day when medical research can find a cure for breast cancer. Our donation in excess of $1.3 million in Western Washington reflects the passion and true spirit of giving shown by our customers and employees," stated Cherié Myers, Director of Public & Government Affairs for the company.

ABOUT SAFEWAY

Safeway Inc. is a Fortune 100 company and one of the largest food and drug retailers in North America, based on sales. The company operates 1,738 stores in the United States and western Canada and had annual sales of $40.2 billion in 2006. Safeway supports a broad range of charitable and community programs and this year will donate more than $172 million, the equivalent of 20% of its 2006 net income, to important causes such as cancer research, education, food banks and programs focused on assisting people with disabilities. The company's common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol SWY.

Source: Business Wire

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