Author: Sudhanshu Rewari

Holiday Heroes – How our Safeway Teammates spread holiday cheer

Posted on by Sudhanshu Rewari

We know our Safeway teammates always show up for their communities. Whether it be through donations, time, or serving their communities throughout COVID-19, they always give back.

Here are a few stories showing how our teammates spread holiday cheer within their communities this holiday season.

Earlier this month, a person experiencing homelessness entered Gerald’s store (4821 – River East Safeway) to warm up and rest. During this time of year, the weather conditions in Manitoba are harsh and with a province-wide lockdown instilled, the only places that are open are essential services.

The individual was spotted by teammates taking off some layers so that they could warm up. They didn’t have a coat, and instead were using blankets to cover themselves and instead of socks they had gloves on their feet.

Gerald was called over by his teammates to assist with escorting the individual out of the store when it became apparent that they weren’t there to shop. When Gerald arrived, he realized that they needed help and attention.

Debbie, a Safeway teammate, went and bought the individual a sandwich, and Gerald bought them water. He made space for them out of the way and at a safe distance from other customers so that they could eat and warm up. After realizing that this individual didn’t have proper socks or gloves, Gerald took it upon himself to purchase both for them. A customer in the store realized that this individual didn’t have a coat and ran out to his truck to get a used one to donate to them. The individual was very pleased to now have a coat and proper socks and gloves rather than wearing blankets.

Gerald was very affected by this interaction and was emotional after they had left the store – he hoped that he had made them a little more comfortable that evening given their circumstances. As a leader, Gerald demonstrated to his team how to look past the stigmas of homelessness and how to make a difference for someone in the community. A customer was so moved by this act of kindness that they wrote into the local paper to detail the events and give Gerald his much-deserved recognition.

Over in Calgary, Tanya from Aspen Safeway spread holiday cheer to seniors in long-term care facilities. During it’s first year, Tanya’s Cards of Kindness Campaign gathered 1112 holiday cards from co-workers, customers and the community that she and her daughter distributed to seniors for the holidays. Through the help of her community, Tanya was able to bring 1112 smiles to seniors across Calgary this holiday season.

In Calgary, two of our Safeway teammates, Tammy and Laura were recognized by the Cliff Bungalow Association for their contribution to helping those in need in their community. Both Tammy and Laura received the Toole Peet Community Hero Award for their continuous contributions to their community.

Throughout this challenging year, you have continuously shown up for your local communities and shown true compassion and dedication. No gesture is too small or goes unnoticed. Your local communities thank you for your hard work and dedication especially throughout this holiday season! A huge thank you to all our Safeway teammates for their recent sales of Food Bank hampers and fundraising for the Food Bank.

Keeping you safe is just as important as ever

Posted on by Sudhanshu Rewari

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have worked quickly and efficiently to introduce several new health, safety and security measures to help protect our teammates and customers. Measures like plexiglass shields, social distancing floor markers and personal protective equipment are just a few of the ways that we’re keeping our teammates and our stores safe. We’re also asking customers to follow all Public Health guidelines and refrain from entering our stores if they’re experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms. We’re also encouraging all to wear a mask while shopping. If a customer arrives at our stores without a mask, we will offer them one. In accordance with Public Health orders and bylaws, we do not ask our teammates to enforce customer mask-wearing. Instead, we will continue to remind and educate our customers about the requirement.

Our guiding principle from the very start of the pandemic has been to follow the trusted guidance of Public Health, and we will continue to provide our frontline teammates with all of the support and training necessary to safely uphold this commitment in our stores. If you have any questions or concerns about the protocols in your store or find yourself in an uncomfortable situation with a customer, please contact your Store Manager who will provide immediate assistance.

While the pandemic continues to evolve differently in communities across Alberta, and as the provincial government announces tighter restrictions on businesses that can remain open, it’s just as important as ever that we maintain the standards that we have worked so hard to achieve. Your safety is incredibly important to us, and our customers have told us loud and clear just how much they appreciate your hard work in keeping our stores safe. Each day, you go above and beyond to serve Alberta families with courage, dedication and pride, and we couldn’t be prouder.

If you find yourself in need of support, please remember that the Employee Family Assistance Program (EFAP) is here to help. The EFAP provides the tools to support overall mental health and well-being through our EFAP provider, Morneau Sheppell. You have free access to:

  • Telephone, video & e-counselling
  • Online group counselling
  • Online tools and resources

For access to EFAP resources, visit the Morneau Shepell site at www.workhealthlife.com, call their toll-free number (1-844-880-9142) or speak to your Store Manager.

We’ve worked together and come so far this year – let’s continue to stand side-by-side to ensure our stores remain the safest place for our teammates to work and our customers to shop.

A day to remember our Canadian Heroes

Posted on by Sudhanshu Rewari

Team,

Today is an important day for Canadians across the country, and a particularly significant day for us as a team with such deep Canadian roots.

On November 11, we pay respect to our Canadian Heroes, both past and present, who have fought for our country. While their courage and heart inspire us every day, I encourage you to take a moment today to pause and reflect on the bravery of those who have served – and continue to serve – Canada during times of conflict.

Let us never forget the men and women who have sacrificed for our country, and let us continue to honour our Canadian heroes who defend our values and freedoms today.

We thank our Safeway teammates who have served or are still serving our country, and those with friends and family that may still be doing so. We will wear our poppies with pride today to honour you.

We will read the following script over the PA system in our stores at 11:00 am this morning to observe a moment of silence:

“Good morning shoppers.  As we all stand here in peace and safety, we pay our respects to all of the fallen, all of the wounded and all who served in conflict for more than 100 years. Today, we remember those who volunteered, sacrificed, served, fought, and died, for our freedom. We thank you, and salute those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. We will never forget. We will remember you.

Today and always, #CanadaRemembers.

 

Kind Regards,

Julie Sue Wood

Vice President, Operations – Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario

A day to remember our Canadian Heroes

Posted on by Sudhanshu Rewari

Team,

Today is an important day for Canadians across the country, and a particularly significant day for us as a team with such deep Canadian roots.

On November 11, we pay respect to our Canadian Heroes, both past and present, who have fought for our country. While their courage and heart inspire us every day, I encourage you to take a moment today to pause and reflect on the bravery of those who have served – and continue to serve – Canada during times of conflict.

Let us never forget the men and women who have sacrificed for our country, and let us continue to honour our Canadian heroes who defend our values and freedoms today.

We thank our Safeway teammates who have served or are still serving our country, and those with friends and family that may still be doing so. We will wear our poppies with pride today to honour you.

Today and always, #CanadaRemembers.

 

Kind Regards,

Julie Sue Wood

Vice President, Operations – Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario

A day to remember our Canadian Heroes

Posted on by Sudhanshu Rewari

Team,

Today is an important day for Canadians across the country, and a particularly significant day for us as a team with such deep Canadian roots.

On November 11, we pay respect to our Canadian Heroes, both past and present, who have fought for our country. While their courage and heart inspire us every day, I encourage you to take a moment today to pause and reflect on the bravery of those who have served – and continue to serve – Canada during times of conflict.

Let us never forget the men and women who have sacrificed for our country, and let us continue to honour our Canadian heroes who defend our values and freedoms today.

We thank our Safeway teammates who have served or are still serving our country, and those with friends and family that may still be doing so. We will wear our poppies with pride today to honour you.

We will read the following script over the PA system in our stores at 11:00 am this morning to observe a moment of silence:

“Good morning shoppers.  As we all stand here in peace and safety, we pay our respects to all of the fallen, all of the wounded and all who served in conflict for more than 100 years. Today, we remember those who volunteered, sacrificed, served, fought, and died, for our freedom. We thank you, and salute those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. We will never forget. We will remember you.

Today and always, #CanadaRemembers.

 

Kind Regards,

Scott Chollak

Vice President, Operations – Alberta

A day to remember our Canadian Heroes

Posted on by Sudhanshu Rewari

Team,

Today is an important day for Canadians across the country, and a particularly significant day for us as a team with such deep Canadian roots.

On November 11, we pay respect to our Canadian Heroes, both past and present, who have fought for our country. While their courage and heart inspire us every day, I encourage you to take a moment today to pause and reflect on the bravery of those who have served – and continue to serve – Canada during times of conflict.

Let us never forget the men and women who have sacrificed for our country, and let us continue to honour our Canadian heroes who defend our values and freedoms today.

We thank our Safeway teammates who have served or are still serving our country, and those with friends and family that may still be doing so. We will wear our poppies with pride today to honour you.

We will read the following script over the PA system in our stores at 11:00 am this morning to observe a moment of silence:

“Good morning shoppers.  As we all stand here in peace and safety, we pay our respects to all of the fallen, all of the wounded and all who served in conflict for more than 100 years. Today, we remember those who volunteered, sacrificed, served, fought, and died, for our freedom. We thank you, and salute those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. We will never forget. We will remember you.

Today and always, #CanadaRemembers.

 

Kind regards,

Ralf Mundel

Vice President, Operations – British Columbia

Saskatchewan Safeway teammates join forces to donate more than $8,000 to the Heart & Stroke Foundation

Posted on by Sudhanshu Rewari

Giving back to the communities we proudly serve has always been integral to who we are at Safeway. It’s no secret just how invested our teammates are in their communities across Saskatchewan. Whether through the donation of time, effort or money, our teammates take pride in supporting their neighbours and the organizations that truly touch Saskatchewan families.

 

Over at least the last decade, our Safeway teammates have proudly joined forces to participate in the Safeway payroll donation program. By volunteering a few dollars from each paycheque, our teammates use their collective power to truly make a significant impact on causes close to home. One of the causes most important to our teammates is the Heart & Stroke Foundation.

 

The Heart & Stroke Foundation has been dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke for over 60 years. Their work has saved thousands of lives and improved the lives of millions. Through their foundation, they’ve become a leading funder of live-saving research, providing education to millions of Canadians about the risks of heart disease and stroke, and continue to empower Canadians to live healthier lives.

 

In 2019 alone, our Safeway Saskatchewan teammates donated more than $8,621.00 to the Heart & Stroke Foundation through the payroll donation program. This donation means that more Western Canadians impacted by heart disease and stoke will have better access to the resources they need most – particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. This also means that the Heart & Stroke Foundation can continue to deliver critical resuscitation training both during the pandemic and beyond.

 

This funding also helps to support a strong future for HeartSmart Kids; a program designed in collaboration with Indigenous communities. HeartSmart Kids is a unique classroom and family resource that takes a wholistic approach to improving health using a comprehensive set of tools, tactics and resources. This no-charge education program is offered to Indigenous children from kindergarten to grade six and includes grade-appropriate resources to make an impact on students and families with the tools they need for long, healthy lives.

 

Click here to watch a special thank you video dedicated to our Safeway teammates from the Heart & Stroke Foundation. Every day, you go above and beyond to not only create exceptional customer experiences in our stores, but to meaningfully invest in our communities. While each payroll donation may seem small, your combined efforts truly prove just how much we’re capable of when we work together. Way to go, team!

Manitoba Safeway teammates join forces to donate more than $19,000 to the Heart & Stroke Foundation

Posted on by Sudhanshu Rewari

Giving back to the communities we proudly serve has always been integral to who we are at Safeway. It’s no secret just how invested our teammates are in their communities across Manitoba. Whether through the donation of time, effort or money, our teammates take pride in supporting their neighbours and the organizations that truly touch Manitoba families.

 

Over at least the last decade, our Safeway teammates have proudly joined forces to participate in the Safeway payroll donation program. By volunteering a few dollars from each paycheque, our teammates use their collective power to truly make a significant impact on causes close to home. One of the causes most important to our teammates is the Heart & Stroke Foundation.

 

The Heart & Stroke Foundation has been dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke for over 60 years. Their work has saved thousands of lives and improved the lives of millions. Through their foundation, they’ve become a leading funder of live-saving research, providing education to millions of Canadians about the risks of heart disease and stroke, and continue to empower Canadians to live healthier lives.

 

In 2019 alone, our Safeway Manitoba teammates donated more than $19,753.00 to the Heart & Stroke Foundation through the payroll donation program. This donation means that more Western Canadians impacted by heart disease and stoke will have better access to the resources they need most – particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. This also means that the Heart & Stroke Foundation can continue to deliver critical resuscitation training both during the pandemic and beyond.

 

This funding also helps to support a strong future for HeartSmart Kids; a program designed in collaboration with Indigenous communities. HeartSmart Kids is a unique classroom and family resource that takes a wholistic approach to improving health using a comprehensive set of tools, tactics and resources. This no-charge education program is offered to Indigenous children from kindergarten to grade six and includes grade-appropriate resources to make an impact on students and families with the tools they need for long, healthy lives.

 

Click here to watch a special thank you video dedicated to our Safeway teammates from the Heart & Stroke Foundation. Every day, you go above and beyond to not only create exceptional customer experiences in our stores, but to meaningfully invest in our communities. While each payroll donation may seem small, your combined efforts truly prove just how much we’re capable of when we work together. Way to go, team!

B.C. Safeway teammates join forces to donate more than $20,000 to the Heart & Stroke Foundation

Posted on by Sudhanshu Rewari

Giving back to the communities we proudly serve has always been integral to who we are at Safeway. It’s no secret just how invested our teammates are in their communities across B.C. Whether through the donation of time, effort or money, our teammates take pride in supporting their neighbours and the organizations that truly touch B.C. families.

 

Over at least the last decade, our Safeway teammates have proudly joined forces to participate in the Safeway payroll donation program. By volunteering a few dollars from each paycheque, our teammates use their collective power to truly make a significant impact on causes close to home. One of the causes most important to our teammates is the Heart & Stroke Foundation.

 

The Heart & Stroke Foundation has been dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke for over 60 years. Their work has saved thousands of lives and improved the lives of millions. Through their foundation, they’ve become a leading funder of live-saving research, providing education to millions of Canadians about the risks of heart disease and stroke, and continue to empower Canadians to live healthier lives.

 

In 2019 alone, our Safeway B.C. teammates donated more than $24,300 to the Heart & Stroke Foundation through the payroll donation program. This donation means that more Western Canadians impacted by heart disease and stoke will have better access to the resources they need most – particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. This also means that the Heart & Stroke Foundation can continue to deliver critical resuscitation training both during the pandemic and beyond.

 

This funding also helps to support a strong future for HeartSmart Kids; a program designed in collaboration with Indigenous communities. HeartSmart Kids is a unique classroom and family resource that takes a wholistic approach to improving health using a comprehensive set of tools, tactics and resources. This no-charge education program is offered to Indigenous children from kindergarten to grade six and includes grade-appropriate resources to make an impact on students and families with the tools they need for long, healthy lives.

 

Click here to watch a special thank you video dedicated to our Safeway teammates from the Heart & Stroke Foundation. Every day, you go above and beyond to not only create exceptional customer experiences in our stores, but to meaningfully invest in our communities. While each payroll donation may seem small, your combined efforts truly prove just how much we’re capable of when we work together. Way to go, team!

Alberta Safeway teammates join forces to donate more than $70,000 to the Heart & Stroke Foundation

Posted on by Sudhanshu Rewari

Giving back to the communities we proudly serve has always been integral to who we are at Safeway. It’s no secret just how invested our teammates are in their communities across Alberta. Whether through the donation of time, effort or money, our teammates take pride in supporting their neighbours and the organizations that truly touch Alberta families.

 

Over at least the last decade, our Safeway teammates have proudly joined forces to participate in the Safeway payroll donation program. By volunteering a few dollars from each paycheque, our teammates use their collective power to truly make a significant impact on causes close to home. One of the causes most important to our teammates is the Heart & Stroke Foundation.

 

The Heart & Stroke Foundation has been dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke for over 60 years. Their work has saved thousands of lives and improved the lives of millions. Through their foundation, they’ve become a leading funder of live-saving research, providing education to millions of Canadians about the risks of heart disease and stroke, and continue to empower Canadians to live healthier lives.

 

In 2019 alone, our Safeway Alberta teammates donated $74,758.12 to the Heart & Stroke Foundation through the payroll donation program. This donation means that more Western Canadians impacted by heart disease and stoke will have better access to the resources they need most – particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. This also means that the Heart & Stroke Foundation can continue to deliver critical resuscitation training both during the pandemic and beyond.

 

This funding also helps to support a strong future for HeartSmart Kids; a program designed in collaboration with Indigenous communities. HeartSmart Kids is a unique classroom and family resource that takes a wholistic approach to improving health using a comprehensive set of tools, tactics and resources. This no-charge education program is offered to Indigenous children from kindergarten to grade six and includes grade-appropriate resources to make an impact on students and families with the tools they need for long, healthy lives.

 

Click here to watch a special thank you video dedicated to our Safeway teammates from the Heart & Stroke Foundation. Every day, you go above and beyond to not only create exceptional customer experiences in our stores, but to meaningfully invest in our communities. While each payroll donation may seem small, your combined efforts truly prove just how much we’re capable of when we work together. Way to go, team!