FORT FRANCES, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Aug. 1, 2014) - Muscular Dystrophy Canada and Safeway have launched their 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.
Rachel, a 20 year old who lives in the surrounding area and is affected by muscular dystrophy says, "Wow thank you Safeway Canada, and your mobility grant funding. Because of you I was assisted in purchasing a piece of equipment to assist in moving my legs. Since I received the equipment I have become much more independent. It has helped me maintain my leg strength and has allowed me to strengthen both my body and mind. This exercise device has also greatly reduced my leg pain caused by cramping. It allows me to exercise as I need in my home, so I now can reduce the amount of time spent in the community going through physiotherapy. This equipment is not available in the treatment centers, hospitals or community physiotherapy clinics, so I have access to something that benefits me greatly and allows me to maintain as much independence as possible, thank you to the generous support of Safeway".
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.
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. Grant recipients will be visiting Safeway stores on August 9th and August 10th so customers have an opportunity to see first-hand the impact they are making through their donations.
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
