Easter Seals Canada and Special Olympics Canada have launched a fundraising and awareness building campaign in support of Canadians with physical and intellectual disabilities. The two charities will partner with Canada Safeway stores throughout the month of April with the hope of educating thousands of Canadians and encouraging financial support for their programs.
Last year, over $1.6 million was raised during the campaign which sent hundreds of kids with disabilities to Easter Seals camps and provided support for local programs offered through Special Olympics.
2013 Easter Seals Ambassador Jacob McGregor, 19, has Spastic Quadriplegia and many fond memories of attending Easter Seals Camp.
"Camp Horizon gave me an enjoyable break, offered me the opportunity to make many new friends and a feeling of freedom provided by the accessible giant swing," said Jacob.
Special Olympics Athletes Dean and Debbie Pelletier are both long-term Safeway employees and like working for a company that supports people with disabilities.
"We have both attended lots of Special Olympics events and competitions and we know that our company supports what we are doing both in our stores and on the field," said Dean and Debbie. Last year over 35,000 Special Olympics athletes participated in a variety of sports programming throughout the country.
"Helping our neighbours living with a diverse range of abilities has long been a Safeway priority," said Canada Safeway President and Chief Operating Officer Chuck Mulvenna. "As a company that proudly employs hundreds of people living with disabilities, Canada Safeway directly benefits from the incredible work of these two important organizations."
Each year Safeway stores dedicate the month of April to raising funds and bringing awareness in support of people with disabilities. From March 29 through April 30, Canada Safeway customers will be invited to make a donation of $2.00 at any Safeway store and in return receive 5 AIR MILES Reward Miles. 100% of the funds raised during the campaign will support Easter Seals Canada and Special Olympics Canada. To date, Safeway stores across North America have raised more the $119 million in support of organizations that assist people with developmental and physical disabilities.
