Team,

As we near the end of 2019, we’d like to take a moment to recognize and celebrate a very special moment in our Company’s history – Safeway’s 90th year in Canada.

In 1929, Safeway was founded with the humble desire to serve the distinct needs of Western Canadians. While there was no doubt that Safeway was capable of amazing things, we’re sure nobody would have imaged that we’d achieve all that we have today.

Since our very first store opened in Manitoba, our retail teams have been the backbone of our business. It’s without a doubt that you are at the very core of what makes Safeway one-of-a-kind. Each and every day, you go above and beyond to serve our customers, create unparalleled shopping experiences and foster a culture of generosity, inclusion and true Safeway pride. We have all visited countless Safeway stores during our time with the Company and your unwavering hard work and commitment never ceases to amaze us. We are still excited every time we step foot in one of our stores.

Together, we’ve achieved remarkable things over the past 90 years and have had a meaningful impact on so many communities across Western Canada. With your support, we’ve donated over $100 million to worthy causes close to home. We’ve provided countless food banks across B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario with desperately needed food aid. We’ve helped hundreds Special Olympics athletes from across Western Canada achieve their dreams of competing in the Provincial, National and World Games. We’ve raised and donated millions of dollars through our employee payroll donation program – over $3 million in the last five years alone – which never would have been fathomable without your generosity. You should all be so proud; we are incredibly proud of every one of you.

Our store teams have, and always will be, what make Safeway so great. You are kind. You are generous. You never hesitate to offer a helping hand, whether within your store or within your community. Your pride is unmatched, and you consistently inspire us to see what’s possible when we simply work together.

Here’s to 90 more incredible years at Safeway. We’re grateful to be a part of your team and can’t wait to see what the future holds for us. Please watch this very special video message from our CEO, Michael Medline.

Happy anniversary, Safeway!

Julie Sue Wood, Vice President Operations, SMO

Ralf Mundel, Vice President Operations, British Columbia

Scott Chollak, Vice President Operations, Alberta