From April 25 to May 5 2024, Safeway, Thrifty Foods, and Empire Company Limited banner stores from coast to coast will hold their in-store fundraising campaign to support Special Olympics athletes across Canada. When you donate in-store from April 25 to May 5, your donation will be matched!*
Funds raised provide athletes with an intellectual disability the opportunity to participate in sport, make friends, learn skills, and stay healthy.
Sincere thanks to all Empire Company stores and staff and all donors for helping to create more inclusive communities across Canada!
Empire Company Limited, a dedicated partner of Special Olympics Canada since 2016, helps our athletes, families, and coaches eat better and feel better with nutrition guides, cooking classes, and fresh, accessible food.
**100% of the money raised will be donated to Special Olympics Canada with no administration fees retained by Empire Company Limited. No tax receipts will be issued for the donation made during this time. Empire Company Limited will match donations made in-store to a maximum of $500,000 from April 25 to May 5, 2024.
Meet SOBC Athletes
Marcus Tamkee has been forming friendships and building his confidence as a Special Olympics athlete ever since he was two years old. He participates in Richmond's Active Start and FUNdamentals youth programs. His mother Grace is thankful for the life-changing impact of that Special Olympics has on her son.
Read more about Marcus and Grace on Richmond News
Safeway and Thrifty Foods employees
Safeway and Thrifty Foods are diverse and inclusive workplaces. Many Special Olympics BC athletes are proud employees of Safeway and Thrifty Foods!
Health
As a proud Special Olympics Canada partner for many years, Safeway and Thrifty Foods have supported Special Olympics health programs and created opportunities for athletes, families, and coaches to access nutrition guides, cooking classes, and fresh food.
The Sobeys Nutrition Corner is an amazing resource for Special Olympics athletes to build their healthy bodies and minds. Included in the resources are Sobeys Nutrition Breaks, which offer bite-size nutrition sessions for Special Olympics athletes, coaches, volunteers and families/caregivers. Created so they can be delivered anywhere and by anyone, the Sobeys Nutrition Breaks cover many topics – the updated Canada Food Guide, Healthy Eating on the Go, Hydration, Mindful Eating, Testing Your Nutrition Knowledge, and more!
Visit the Sobeys Nutrition Corner
Special Olympics BC athlete Arianna Phillips says her favourite healthy recipe is making butter chicken with bell peppers for added nutrition. One of the tips she has implemented from the Sobeys Nutrition Corner is using peppers as a flavour builder, as mentioned in the handout about fruits and vegetables.
About the Partnership
Since 2016, Empire Company Limited stores across Canada have raised and donated more $5.4 million in food and funds to Special Olympics. They continue to provide run their significant annual fundraising campaign while also providing year-round support through nutrition education, event sponsorships, and employment opportunities for athletes nationwide.
As part of their commitment to Special Olympics, Safeway and Thrifty Foods believe in the abilities of people with intellectual disabilities to achieve their dreams and to make a meaningful impact where they work, live, and play. Safeway and Thrifty Foods’ partnership with Special Olympics includes support through fundraising initiatives, sponsoring National and Provincial Games, and donating gift cards and food to support various activities across the country.
Safeway and Thrifty Foods are dedicated to helping Special Olympics athletes improve their health by providing healthy food and nutrition education, leading to both better performance and healthier lives.
In addition, many Safeway and Thrifty Foods employees volunteer at Games and other Special Olympics events.
In B.C., funding from Safeway and Thrifty Foods goes directly to grassroots Special Olympics BC programs around the province, and also supports Provincial Games and a wide range of provincial programs, events, and development opportunities that benefit athletes and volunteers throughout the Special Olympics BC community.
Get Involved
Be part of Special Olympics BC’s empowering and eye-opening year-round sport programs and change lives, including your own!