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.