FORT FRANCIS, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - July 25, 2014) - Today Muscular Dystrophy Canada and Safeway launched a campaign to "Make Muscles Move" in support of those affected by neuromuscular disorders. Muscular Dystrophy Canada is partnering with Safeway stores in Northwestern Ontario and Western Canada from July 31 - August 15, 2014, to raise funds to support the Safeway Mobility Grant program, post-secondary scholarships for young adults and to fund important research.
In the past six years the Safeway Mobility Grant program has provided 572 specialized pieces of equipment to Northwestern Ontario and Western Canadian families, totaling over $2.6 million. Families like the Nataraj family, who recently received a Safeway Mobility Grant and now believe they have received the amazing gift of independence and improved accessibility for their girls, Georgia 2 years and Charlotte 8 months. "We are the parents of two of the most beautiful girls in the world, and we wanted to build them a completely accessible home where their disabilities could be, for the most part, forgotten," shared Richard and Crystal Nataraj, parents to Georgia, and Charlotte.
"Safeway continues to raise much needed funds for research and to provide equipment through the Safeway Mobility Grants program for people with neuromuscular disorders," said Catherine Sherrard, CEO of Muscular Dystrophy Canada. "Safeway's generosity makes a huge difference in the daily lives of people within our community and by funding research also helps us get closer to our vision of finding a cure for muscular dystrophy," said Sherrard.
"Thanks to the generosity of our customers and the enthusiasm of our employees, we are making a significant difference in the lives of individuals and families living with neuromuscular diseases," said Chuck Mulvenna, President of Safeway Operations, Sobeys Inc. "We look forward to welcoming Safeway Mobility Grant recipients into our stores during the campaign so our customers have an opportunity to see first-hand the impact they are making through their donations."
From July 31 - August 15, 2014, Safeway customers are invited to make a donation when shopping at their local Safeway. With every $2.00 donation customers will receive 5 bonus AIR MILES Reward Miles.
Last year $994,269 was raised through a variety of in-store fundraising events and the Safeway Walk for Muscular Dystrophy. Since 2008, Safeway has raised over $7.5 million for Muscular Dystrophy Canada. Safeway is one of the largest corporate supporters of families living with disabilities in Canada and currently employs 300 people with intellectual and physical disabilities.
Follow the campaign on Twitter: #MakeMusclesMove
| MEDIA BACKGROUNDER |
| Muscular Dystrophy Canada and Safeway "Make Muscles Move!" |
| July 31 - August 15, 2014 |
- Muscular Dystrophy Canada and Safeway have teamed up to "Make Muscles Move"
- Donate $2.00 at Safeway during the campaign and receive 5 AIR MILES Reward Miles
- All donations support research, scholarships and mobility equipment through Muscular Dystrophy Canada.
- 572 specialized pieces of equipment totaling over $2.9 million have been provided to Muscular Dystrophy families through the Safeway Mobility Grant program since 2008
- Since 2008, $7.5 million has been donated to Muscular Dystrophy Canada by Safeway and its customers
- More than $16 million has been raised by Safeway across Northwestern Ontario and Western Canada in support of people with intellectual and physical disabilities over the past decade. Other community partners include Special Olympics Canada and Easter Seals Canada
- Safeway stores currently employ 300 people with disabilities
About Muscular Dystrophy Canada: www.muscle.ca
Muscular Dystrophy Canada is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to enhance the lives of those affected by over 150 different kinds of neuromuscular disorders by continually working to provide ongoing support and resources while relentlessly searching for a cure through well-funded research. 2014 marks 60 years of progress and work by dedicated volunteers, Fire Fighters, staff and community partners across Canada who raise funds to help Canadians with neuromuscular disorders live longer, more enriched lives.
From coast to coast, Muscular Dystrophy Canada delivers a variety of programs within five key areas of service: Education, Information, Advocacy, Support and Equipment.
About Sobeys Inc.:
Proudly Canadian, with headquarters in Stellarton, Nova Scotia, Sobeys has been serving the food shopping needs of Canadians for 107 years. A wholly-owned subsidiary of Empire Company Limited (TSX:EMP.A), Sobeys owns or franchises approximately 1,500 stores in all 10 provinces under retail banners that include Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland, FreshCo, Thrifty Foods, and Lawton's Drug Stores as well as more than 330 retail fuel locations. Sobeys and its franchise affiliates employ more than 125,000 people. The company's purpose is to help Canadians Eat Better, Feel Better and Do Better. More information on Sobeys Inc. can be found at www.sobeyscorporate.com .
To learn more about the Safeway banner visit www.safeway.ca
LETTER
July 25 th , 2014
Dear Friends,
I wanted to let you know that we've been working with Safeway in Thunder Bay to raise funds and awareness for Muscular Dystrophy Canada. Every dollar raised will go to support individuals like Brian Ahonen and Christine Auger both from Thunder Bay, who through the Safeway Mobility Grant program were able to access much needed mobility aids.
Between July 31 - August 15, 2014, Muscular Dystrophy Canada has partnered with Cindy Normand and Alex Siciliano and their teams at the Thunder Bay Safeway locations on North Court Street and Dawson Road, to help "Make Muscles Move".
To help launch this campaign, we'd like to invite you to interview our local ambassadors Brian Ahonen or Christine Auger. I've attached the national press release and media backgrounder for your reference.
This is a very exciting campaign for us. Last year our three Thunder Bay Safeway stores raised a combined $19,194 and $994,269 was raised across Northwestern Ontario and Western Canada. During this year's campaign, Safeway customers will be invited to donate $2.00 to the campaign and in return receive 5 Air Miles Reward Miles.
If you would like to set up a photo and a personal interview in Thunder Bay a participating Safeway Store, please give me a call anytime.
Sincerely,
| Stacey Lintern |
| Executive Director, Ontario and Nunavut |
| Phone: 416-488-0030 Ext. 1104 |
| Email: stacey.lintern@muscle.ca |
