THUNDER BAY – One of Canada’s largest grocery corporations has signed on to help the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Thunder Bay 2020 in a big way.
Safeway and Sobeys have agreed to contribute a combined $75,000 to the event, which is scheduled for February.
Safeway committed to matching up to $25,000 in Draft an Athlete contributions taken in on Thursday and then announced it would give an additional $50,000, earning them diamond sponsor status and the title of presenting sponsor for the Games’ opening ceremonies.
“We are incredibly grateful for the multi-tiered support from our friends at Safeway and Sobeys,” said Barry Streib, chair of the Games Organizing Committee, in a release issued on Thursday night.
“Safeway and Sobeys are longstanding allies of Special Olympics programs across the country, engaging in year-round fundraising, regularly sponsoring events, proudly employing athletes, and building an award-winning nutrition series for athletes, coaches and caregivers.”
Streib added it was a natural fit.
“The Safeway team has a tremendous presence in Thunder Bay, making them a natural partner for the 2020 Games. Their considerable investment in our athletes and the Games is just one more example of their continued commitment to Special Olympics,” Streib said.
Sobey’s representative Renee Hopfer said her company is thrilled to be a major sponsor of the event.
“We are so inspired by the athletes and look forward to supporting each of them and their families as they reach for their athletic dreams. Our Safeway stores will be on-site throughout the Games to fuel their performance and cheer on the athletes at every moment along the way,” she said.
All told, $98,772 was raised, which will help sponsor 197 athletes and cover some of their costs to attend the Games in Thunder Bay. That’s over and above the $50.000 contributed by Safeway.
“We have a goal of reaching $300,000 with this program and we are making great progress, but still have more work to do,” he said. “We hope that Safeway’s support today will have a lasting impact and inspire more individuals and organizations in the community to Draft an Athlete,” said program co-ordinator Warren Giertuga.
Drafting an athlete costs $500, which can be a donation or the result of fundraising. Expenses can include travel, food and accommodation.
For more information, visit www.specialolympics2020.com.
