Month: June 2019

On May 15, more than 100 golfers teed off at the 15^th annual Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Driving Fore a Cure Golf Classic Tournament. Founded and organized by Dave Reid, Store Manager at Airdrie Safeway, the tournament aims to raise funds and awareness for those living with MS, and more specifically, to provide them with the support needed to remain with their families, in their homes. The event gathers golfers for a fun-filled day on the course complete with food, challenges, prizes, a silent auction and 50/50 draw.

While Dave is a true golfer at heart, the tournament holds a much deeper meaning for him. Dave’s wife, Marg, was diagnosed with MS in 1992. For 10 years, the Reid family joined the MS Society of Canada’s fundraising bike ride, but in 2004, Dave decided to do a little (or a lot!) more. Dave launched the Driving Fore a Cure Golf Classic Tournament as a way to combine his love of golf with his passion to help those in his community affected by MS.

“What started with 38 players in 2004 has grown to more than 100 participants each year,” said Dave. “Through the generosity of our participants, partners and sponsors, we have raised more awareness and funds for MS than we ever thought possible, and turned a local initiative into something that helps people across Alberta.”

This year’s event raised nearly $15,000, and over the past 15 years, Driving Fore a Cure has raised more than $168,000 to fund renovations that help make homes more accessible. Through much-needed equipment, the renovations allow those with MS to be more mobile and independent in their own homes.

“The money raised doesn’t go to research, but rather, directly supports those with MS so they may stay in their family unit and have a chance at a better life,” explains Dave. “From chair lifts in homes, to scooters and wheelchairs, to ramps and stand-sit machines, we want to make their lives easier, which in turn, will enhance their mental state, help them gain confidence and ultimately, enable them to better enjoy their lives.”

While the tournament is full of fun, Dave makes sure to incorporate an educational component to help participants better understand MS. Through an on-course activation, golfers have the chance to wear special glasses to blur their vision, stand on a wobble board to impact their balance, and use horse grooming gloves to limit their grip – all common symptoms and difficulties associated with MS.

“Everyone is always in awe when they experience what it feels like to have MS,” adds Dave. “It’s a fun way to drive the conversation and reinforce why we’re so passionate about helping the people affected by the disease.”

Congratulations, Dave, on another outstanding fundraising tournament! Your commitment to serving your local community shines bright and we couldn’t be more proud!

For more information on the MS Driving Fore a Cure Golf Classic Tournament, visit www.msdrivingforeacure.ca or MS “Driving Fore a Cure” Golf Classic Tournament on Facebook.

Since the launch of Project Sunrise in May of 2017, we’ve redesigned the structure of our organization and moved to more streamlined, national processes. In doing so, we’re able to work together more consistently, improve our promotional strategies, and evaluate our product assortment in our stores.

As the second phase of the Project’s three-phase rollout, we launched Category Resets in stores across the country. Category Resets reviews almost every SKU across the business and assess its individual performance. This helps us identify opportunities to better serve our customers, ensure our stores are stocked with their favourite national and local products and brands.

We sat down with Beri Kebede, Category Reset Champion at Safeway Northgate in Calgary, to learn a little bit more about how Category Resets are coming to life in our Alberta Safeway stores:

What is your role as a Category Resets Champion?

Overall, my role as a Category Reset Champion is to ensure the rollout of resets is smooth for both employees and customers alike. In doing so, I manage the placement of store signage to ensure that employees know change is coming, and to highlight which products are newly introduced. I also prepare toolkits and schematics to ensure we have all the materials necessary to execute the roll-out, and on the day of the schematic change, I work with my reset crew execute the resets successfully.

How have Category Resets improved the customers’ experience in store?

The new placement and location of products makes much more sense. Products are now aligned in a format that groups brands together, making all products much easier for our customers to find.

 How have customers reacted to Category Resets?

In the beginning, some customers were a little confused as to why they were unable to buy select products that used to be available; however, we are actively working to educate our customers on these changes. Our customers are now excited for our new products that set us apart from competitors.

What are a couple key wins in the Category Resets rollout thus far?

The organization of the new schematic in vitamins is far better than our previous system. By lowering the top shelf heights, we have really improved the aisle image. Product is now block faced, which not only makes everything easier for us to stock, but easier for our customers to find.

What new products are you excited to see on our shelves?

We introduced a new toilet paper schematic that supports larger bulk size packaging which has proven to be a great seller. I’m also looking forward to the introduction of a variety of 4 pack chocolate bars, which I believe will also be positively received.

The full Category Reset rollout is expected to be completed in all stores by the end of 2020. Be sure to connect with your Category Resets Champion to learn more about how Resets will be executed in your store, and for a sneak peek at the new and exciting products hitting our shelves!