Author: Sudhanshu Rewari

Watch the Brett Kissel: Live at the Drive-In documentary October 21 on CTV2

Posted on by Sudhanshu Rewari

Hosted in June, 2020, Brett Kissel: Live at the Drive-In was the first ever socially distanced drive-in country music concert series.

Safeway was a proud presenting sponsor of the historic event resulting in100 per cent of ticket sales supporting Food Banks Alberta and Enoch First Nations Food Bank. In addition to raising more than $70,000, we also helped bring together Albertans for a safe and fun experience. This partnership truly brought to life our purpose of a family nurturing families and our collective commitment to help remove barriers for more neighbours to access healthy and affordable food.

Now, a one-hour documentary takes fans behind the scenes as the multiple JUNO and CCMA Award-winner brings his vision to life from the video calls with his crew, to socially distanced rehearsals, to being back on a stage for the first show in Edmonton, separated from his band with plexi-glass partitions. It’s an emotional journey that reinforces the importance of family and friends when faced with unprecedented challenges.

We are so thrilled to have played a part in making the concert series a reality, and that 100 of our own frontline teammates were in attendance, enjoying a well-deserved night off with family.

Tune in and watch the documentary on Wednesday, October 21 at 8:00 PM MST on CTV2.

B.C. Safeway Teammates raise over $217,000 for mental health programs at B.C’s Children’s Hospital

Posted on by Sudhanshu Rewari

There is no question that Safeway teammates are dedicated members of the community who step up when their neighbours need help. Throughout our first in-store checkstand fundraising campaign in support of A Family of Support: Child and Youth Mental Health Initiative, you again stepped up to support Canadian families and encouraged our customers to donate to the cause.

100 per cent of the funds raised during the campaign are directed to the priority mental health programs at the local children’s hospital in that community. That’s part of what makes this initiative so unique – your collective national effort will have tangible local impact.

Together, teammates and customers across the country raised an incredible $2.2M in support of Canadian kids and their families.

B.C. Division Stores raised over $370,608 in support of the mental health programs at B.C’s Children’s Hospital Foundation, of which Safeway teammates helped to raise $217,732.

B.C.’s Children’s Hospital Foundation – Supporting Mental Health Care for Kids through Education

BC Children’s Hospital will work to develop and deliver a wide-reaching mental health education strategy to help address gaps in mental health services in British Columbia. This strategy will support the education and training of hospital and community healthcare providers and educators across the province, strengthening capacity and helping to ensure that children and youth receive the timely mental health support they need.


About the Initiative
Launched on August 26, 2020, the A Family of Support: Child and Youth Mental Health initiative addresses the critical need for early interventions in child and youth mental health. This groundbreaking long-term partnership between Canada’s Children’s Hospital Foundation, the Sobey Foundation and Sobeys Inc. have committed to donating and raising millions of dollars to enhance resources for 13 children’s hospitals across Canada.

Alberta Safeway Teammates raise over $247,000 for mental health programs at Stollery Children’s Hospital and Alberta Children’s Hospital

Posted on by Sudhanshu Rewari

There is no question that Safeway teammates are dedicated members of the community who step up when their neighbours need help. Throughout our first in-store checkstand fundraising campaign in support of A Family of Support: Child and Youth Mental Health Initiative, you again stepped up to support Canadian families and encouraged our customers to donate to the cause.

100 per cent of the funds raised during the campaign are directed to the priority mental health programs at the local children’s hospital in that community. That’s part of what makes this initiative so unique – your collective national effort will have tangible local impact.

Together, teammates and customers across the country raised an incredible $2.2M in support of Canadian kids and their families.

Alberta Division Stores raised over $443,217 in support of the mental health programs at Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation and Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation, of which Safeway teammates helped to raise $247,141.


Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation – Advancing and Personalizing Treatment

Inadequate scientific knowledge about pediatric mental health disorders means that many treatments and prevention strategies have not advanced in decades. A new Foundational Discovery Platform will engage hundreds of young people in innovative research aimed at understanding pediatric mental health and improving and creating more effective therapies. By collecting and analyzing crucial data with a 360-degree view of participants, the initiative will inform and optimize care for children and teens across the country.


Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation – Enhancing Urgent Mental Health Services

Donor investments are vital in expanding round-the-clock mental health support to children, youth and families. Stollery will be able to create integrated mental health services within the emergency department, boost 24/7 helpline support, along with a separate walk-in clinic space to increase access to help increase timely access to an expert team of nurses, social workers, therapists, and child and adolescent psychiatrists.

About the Initiative
Launched on August 26, 2020, the A Family of Support: Child and Youth Mental Health initiative addresses the critical need for early interventions in child and youth mental health. This groundbreaking long-term partnership between Canada’s Children’s Hospital Foundation, the Sobey Foundation and Sobeys Inc. have committed to donating and raising millions of dollars to enhance resources for 13 children’s hospitals across Canada.

Saskatchewan Safeway Teammates raise over $32,000 for mental health programs at Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation

Posted on by Sudhanshu Rewari

There is no question that Safeway teammates are dedicated members of the community who step up when their neighbours need help. Throughout our first in-store checkstand fundraising campaign in support of A Family of Support: Child and Youth Mental Health Initiative, you again stepped up to support Canadian families and encouraged our customers to donate to the cause.

100 per cent of the funds raised during the campaign are directed to the priority mental health programs at the local children’s hospital in that community. That’s part of what makes this initiative so unique – your collective national effort will have tangible local impact.

Together, teammates and customers across the country raised an incredible $2.2M in support of Canadian kids and their families.

Saskatchewan Division Stores raised over $85,160 in support of the mental health program at Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation, of which Safeway teammates helped to raise $32,680.

Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation – Creating Safe Environments for Care

Often, the first contact children and families have with mental health services is in a hospital emergency department (ED). The new Children’s Emergency Department at Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital provides short-stay crisis care for Saskatchewan children and youth experiencing acute mental health challenges. The hospital will create a new Mental Health Intensive Care Room in the Emergency Department to provide a safe, calming environment for children and youth in crisis.

About the Initiative
Launched on August 26, 2020, the A Family of Support: Child and Youth Mental Health initiative addresses the critical need for early interventions in child and youth mental health. This groundbreaking long-term partnership between Canada’s Children’s Hospital Foundation, the Sobey Foundation and Sobeys Inc. have committed to donating and raising millions of dollars to enhance resources for 13 children’s hospitals across Canada.

Manitoba Safeway Teammates raise over $127,000 for mental health programs at The Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba

Posted on by Sudhanshu Rewari

There is no question that Safeway teammates are dedicated members of the community who step up when their neighbours need help. Throughout our first in-store checkstand fundraising campaign in support of the A Family of Support: Child and Youth Mental Health Initiative, you again stepped up to support Canadian families and encouraged our customers to donate to the cause.

100 per cent of the funds raised during the campaign are directed to the priority mental health programs at the local children’s hospital in that community.

Together, teammates and customers across the country raised an incredible $2.2M in support of Canadian kids and their families.

Manitoba Division Stores raised over $127,988 in support of the mental health program at Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba, of which Safeway teammates helped to raise $48,246

The Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba – Creating Care that’s Closer to Home

Over the last 20 years, there has been a substantial increase in the number of patients presenting to HSC Winnipeg Children’s Hospital for mental health assessment. About 45% of child and adolescent patients are transported from their rural communities for care, resulting in millions spent on medical transport annually. The hospital will implement a new Urgent Telemental Health Service for children and adolescents in rural Manitoba, bringing care closer to home.

About the Initiative
Launched on August 26, 2020, the A Family of Support: Child and Youth Mental Health initiative addresses the critical need for early interventions in child and youth mental health. This groundbreaking long-term partnership between Canada’s Children’s Hospital Foundation, the Sobey Foundation and Sobeys Inc. have committed to donating and raising millions of dollars to enhance resources for 13 children’s hospitals across Canada.

Fill your prescription in our pharmacies and save more!

Posted on by Sudhanshu Rewari

With cough, cold and flu season right around the corner, it’s time to start thinking of the best and most cost-effective way to get the healthcare products and services for you and your family.

Fill your prescriptions in our pharmacies and save more!
Safeway provides industry-leading benefits to our teammates. By visiting our banner stores for your healthcare needs, you can take advantage of our competitive prices –and in many cases, higher percentages of reimbursement depending on the benefit plan in which you participate.  

And while you’re getting your prescription filled, pick up your groceries and take advantage of our upcoming Employee Discount to be announced soon. It’s a one-stop shop for all your savings!

Not an existing patient at our pharmacies? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Transferring your prescriptions is easy! Just call any of our pharmacy teams and we will get it done for you.

A variety of healthcare services
From blood pressure screening to baby wellness, to flu vaccines, and more, our pharmacy team is committed to providing personalized care and quality service. We also offer patient education programs and work closely with in-store Dietitians (where available) to help patients achieve their health goals.

We’re always ready to help you with your healthcare needs, including:

  • Automatic prescription refills
  • Custom pill packaging (to easily remember what to take and when)
  • Private consultations and medication reviews
  • Easy prescription transfers1
  • Prescription renewals and other prescribing services1
  • Home delivery if you are unable to come into the store
  • All with your wellness and privacy in mind2

Start shopping in your pharmacies and save more!  To find your convenient pharmacy banner location and to learn more about our services, visit www.pharmacynearestyou.ca.

1Prescribing and prescription transfer services are subject to provincial regulations.
2All pharmacies are required by law to protect personal and health information.

An update on our Appendix B transition: Two additional Safeway stores announced

Posted on by Sudhanshu Rewari

A few weeks ago, we shared that eight additional Safeway stores in British Columbia were returning to Appendix A.

Today, we’re announcing the transition of two additional Safeway stores back to Appendix A. These stores are:

  • Store 4916 – Safeway Fortune Kamloops
  • Store 4908 – Safeway Robson

The terms of this transition only impact the UFCW 1518 bargaining unit in these stores.

In total, 13 stores have transitioned back to Appendix A. All new transitioning stores will continue to do so under conditions, agreed upon by both the Union and the Company, that will support the stores in effectively competing within their markets.

It’s important to us that you stay informed on the decisions that impact you, your family and your store. As always, we’re committed to keeping you up-to-date with timely and transparent updates. Stay tuned to Safeway Talks for additional information as it becomes available, but in the meantime, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your Store Manager with any questions.

Thank you for everything you do to serve our B.C. communities – we’re so proud to be on your team.

Keeping you informed: Our next steps with B.C. Safeway Appendix B Stores

Posted on by Sudhanshu Rewari

At Safeway, regular communication with our teammates has always been incredibly important to us. You are the experts in our stores – you are dedicated, hard working, and caring. You take great pride in serving our B.C. families and giving back to our communities. Your voice is important.

In December 2018, the Special Officer’s Award was issued which resulted in many stores being classified as Appendix B stores. Now, just over two years later, we have met with UFCW 1518 to discuss bringing some of those stores into Appendix A. In March of this year, we agreed to moving three stores back into Appendix A under conditions that would help the stores effectively compete in their markets.

Now, we are prepared to announce the return of eight more stores to Appendix A as follows:

Store #126 / 4946 – Terrace

Store # 93 / 4936 – Shaughnessy

Store #44 / 4913 – Kensington

Store #42 / 4911 – Burnaby Heights

Store #38 / 4909 – Caufield

Store #58 / 4917 – McBride

Store #2271 / 4974 – Cranbrook

Store 170 / 4960 – Downtown Kelowna

 

These changes apply to the UFCW 1518 bargaining unit in the above-mentioned stores only.

We will keep you updated on Safeway Talks as more information becomes available.

One new FreshCo location in Saskatchewan and one in Alberta announced

Posted on by Sudhanshu Rewari

We are continually evaluating our store networks to ensure that we have the right stores in the right markets to meet the needs of the communities that we serve. Today, Sobeys Inc. announced two new FreshCo locations in Western Canada – one location in Saskatchewan and one in Alberta.

Opening in Summer 2021:

  • FreshCo, Albert Street, Regina

Opening in Winter 2021/2022:

  • FreshCo, Cobblestone, Grande Prairie

The Saskatchewan location is an existing Sobeys store in Regina and starting February 2021, it will temporarily close for renovations and re-open as FreshCo. The Alberta FreshCo store announced today is a new build construction site located in Grande Prairie, in the Cobblestone community.

Our full-service grocery stores are an important part of our customer offer and a valued part of our business. By expanding our store network to include full-service Safeway stores, as well as additional discount FreshCo stores, we’re better equipped to meet our customers’ diverse needs.

We will be working closely with impacted employees in Regina and their union in the coming weeks to provide support through this transition.

Stay up-to-date at SafewayTalks.ca.

 

Six Sobeys women achievers win Canadian Grocer Star Women Awards

Posted on by Sudhanshu Rewari

I am extremely pleased and very proud to announce that six Sobeys employees have been named 2020 Star Women Awards recipients by Canadian Grocer.  Since 2012, this award has been given annually to recognize exceptional women who demonstrate influence, innovation, and leadership in the Canadian grocery industry.

Our Star Women honourees are individuals that bring passion and commitment to their work and their communities each day. They are recognized by both their Sobeys peers and industry professionals as role models who deliver business excellence through collaborative team engagement. I am very pleased that they are being given the recognition they deserve, not only within Sobeys, but by the country’s grocery industry.  Their achievement serves as an inspiration for all leaders on our team.

This year, two of our Sobeys recipients were named in the Senior Level category, three in the Store Level category, and one in the Rising Star category.

Please join me in celebrating and congratulating our 2020 Star Women awardees:

Senior Level Stars

Kerry Tompson, Vice President of Talent & Inclusion

Kerry is innovative, customer-driven and willing to set bold ambitions to drive results. Since she joined Sobeys Inc. in 2018, Kerry has worked tirelessly to ensure the company’s people practices were “best in class” so that Sobeys could attract and retain the best talent. In 2020, when the company faced the COVID-19 pandemic, Kerry, together with a dedicated team, rallied to create a national Talent Acquisition SWAT Team, employment branding and labour dashboard to ensure our stores were supported to serve families during a difficult time.

Vittoria Varalli, Vice President of Sustainability and Chief of Staff to the CEO

As a future- oriented strategy driver, Vittoria is highly skilled at building consensus and mobilizing action plans as the retail industry evolves. Vittoria’s commitment to reducing avoidable plastic in grocery retail has already created a lasting impact. In July 2019, under Vittoria’s direction, Sobeys Inc. was the first national grocer to announce it would eliminate single-use plastic grocery bags at all banner locations in Canada, starting with its 255 Sobeys stores, taking 225 million plastic bags out of circulation annually.

Rising Star

Julia Mallett, Manager Retail Operations, Atlantic Division

Julia is knowledgeable, passionate and solution-orientated.  She does not hesitate to find opportunities for improvement, whether they be for the industry, our stores or our customers. Focused on serving the total team, Julia actively works towards identifying root cause issues and solutioning them, helping to improve internal processes, communications and reporting which benefits everyone. Recently, Julia worked diligently with the strategic sourcing of key supplies to assist with pandemic safety measures.

Store-level Stars

Alice Warner, Store Manager, Safeway McBride, New Westminster, BC

Alice is a store operation professional with a unique leadership style that inspires strong team engagement, customer loyalty and community recognition. She is a committed advocate for the advancement of leadership opportunities for talented women in store-level grocery operations at Sobeys. Alice is dedicated to mentoring her store staff to pursue career development opportunities, and has committed her time and energy in helping to establish Sobeys’ Women’s Inclusion Network in B.C.

Suzanne Horner, Store Manager, Sobeys West River Road, Pictou, NS 

Suzanne’s depth of store operations experience and an approachable and highly motivating leadership style have been essential to building strong workplace engagement and business performance. A key element to her success is a commitment in creating opportunities to welcome and advance diverse talent within her community to support operational success. Her inclusive hiring experiences have brought process improvements and identified areas to improve accessibility within her store that have resulted in more inclusive experiences for both employees and customers.

Leslie Robb, Store Manager, Safeway Fort St John, Fort St John, BC

Leslie is a strong, experienced business and community leader who goes above and beyond to support her store teams as an authentic role model and mentor of individuals in early stages of their careers. As a member of Sobeys’ Alberta Women’s Inclusion Network, she has undertaken a deep interest in supporting advancement of female professionals in her store and within her operating district and boasts a high-performing and accomplished team of department managers that consistently contribute to operational success.

Winners will be featured in the August 2020 issue of Canadian Grocer and will be celebrated at the Star Women in Grocery Awards Breakfast on October 29, 2020.

It seems that every year, more and more Sobeys women leaders are recognized through this awards program.  In 2018, we garnered two spots in the program, followed by four in 2019, and now an amazing six recipients for 2020! I look forward to congratulating more of our hardworking and passionate female leaders winning this award in the coming years.