Prostate Cancer Foundation Receives Record-Breaking Donation from Safeway

Annual June Safeway in-store campaign nets $4.4 million for prostate cancer research

SANTA MONICA, Calif., August 30, 2005 – Safeway Inc., one of the largest food and drug retailers in North America, partnered with the Prostate Cancer Foundation for the fifth year in a row to raise money for prostate cancer research and awareness.  During the month of June, Steve Burd, Safeway’s president and chief executive officer, led a company-wide campaign that included point-of-purchase promotions at more than 15,000 checkout stands in all 1,600 Safeway Stores in the U.S. Employees also participated in internal fundraising drives to boost proceeds. Through the astounding participation of shoppers and employees alike, Safeway was able to raise $4.4 million during the month of June which is more than the originally anticipated $4 million.  Since its inception, this campaign has raised more than $12.7 million for prostate cancer research, which is truly a remarkable gain for the PCF.   

Shoppers were able to give to the PCF by donating one dollar or more as they checked out, by purchasing a Prostate Cancer Awareness bracelet for two dollars or by purchasing a Jeff Austin Black sample CD for two to five dollars depending on the store.  In addition to the shoppers who took part in the program, retail employees also supported the cause by purchasing campaign T-shirts for $12 (including a $6 donation). Through the amazing support from shoppers and employees, the partnership between Safeway and the PCF has proven to be a successful outlet for the public to make donations and become more awareof prostate cancer.      

The company also spent the month raising awareness using a range of channels including its weekly sales circular, radio advertisements, milk carton imprints and prostate cancer awareness messaging throughout the store.

In addition, a bipartisan group of U.S. House and Senate Congressional leaders, including Senator Saxby Chambliss (R-GA) and Congressman Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ), gathered on Capitol Hill on June 15 to recount their stories as prostate cancer survivors and focus public attention on the disease. 

Hank Cominiello, Safeway’s interim Eastern Division president, believed the $4 million goal would be feasible and hopes that Safeway’s, “efforts are not only successful in raising money to help find a cure but also successful in raising awareness in men about the importance of preventative healthcare and early detection." 

The PCF would like to again thank the shoppers and employees who contributed to prostate cancer research through this program because with their help the PCF is one step closer to finding a cure for prostate cancer. 

About the Prostate Cancer Foundation

The Prostate Cancer Foundation is the world’s largest philanthropic source of support for prostate cancer research.  Founded in 1993, the PCF has raised more than $230 million and provided funding for prostate cancer research to more than 1,200 researchers at 100 institutions worldwide.  The PCF has a simple, yet urgent goal: to find better treatments and a cure for prostate cancer.  For more information, visit http://www.prostatecancerfoundation.org/

Sarah Evans
(310) 570-4705
sevans@prostatecancerfoundation.org

Katie Lambe
(310) 570-4713
klambe@prostatecancerfoundation.org