Safeway Launches Fundraiser for Veterans

Safeway will further its support of America's military veterans by hiring at least 1,000 vets in 2013 to add to the 1,300 hired to date in 2012. In addition, the company is raising money this Veterans Day weekend for organizations that help veterans recover from service-related injuries and those who have returned to the civilian workforce.

"We are honored to assist those who have protected our freedom at home and abroad," said Larree Renda, Safeway executive VP and chair of The Safeway Foundation. "Likewise, we have tapped into the knowledge and leadership skills of these remarkable professionals to enhance our workforce. We urge other companies to do the same and benefit from the talent that comes with military experience."

Safeway designed the Junior Military Officer and Non-Commissioned Officer program to train and place veterans in top store and backstage leadership positions. The 41-week training program includes a combination of on-the-job training, mentoring, classroom seminars, job shadowing and independent study, as well as participation in department and key leadership strategy sessions.

The initiative marks the second year that the company has dedicated the three-day Veterans Day weekend to raising money for key veteran-related causes. In 2011, the company raised $1 million for the Wounded Warrior Project, an organization that provides medical and emotional support to service members who have incurred service-related injuries on or after Sept. 11, 2001.

This year, The Safeway Foundation's Nov. 9-11 fundraising effort in most stores will also benefit various organizations and outreach programs that help veterans gain the skills and resources necessary to transition to civilian jobs.

In 2011, Safeway raised and donated more than $180 million for hunger relief, education, environmental sustainability, ethical business practices, and community outreach.  The Pleasanton, Calif.-based grocer operates 1,644 stores in the United States and western Canada.

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