Special Olympics Canada receives $1M donation

A big-name Canadian company has made a big-time donation to Special Olympics Canada.

Sobeys Inc., whose family of retail banners across the country includes Safeway, IGA, FreshCo and Thrifty Foods, has donated $1 million to assist the organization during these unprecedented times.

“We made the difficult decision to cancel our in-store fundraising campaign scheduled for this past June because of COVID-19,” explained Sandra Sanderson from Sobeys Inc.

“Instead, we’ve made a corporate donation to ensure Special Olympics’ grassroots, community-based sports programs across Canada are not impacted in such a challenging year.”

When #COVID19 forced Sobeys Inc. to cancel its fundraiser this summer – their commitment to @SpecialOCanada never faltered.

Thank you @Sobeys @SafewayCanada @ThriftyFoods IGA, Foodland & Urban Fresh across Canada for your $1M donation!

➡ https://t.co/GRjPwWdBH5 pic.twitter.com/9t1rXVj03v

— Special Olympics CAN (@SpecialOCanada) August 10, 2020

The funds will directly support 49,600 Special Olympic athletes and the 22,000 volunteers that deliver more than 6,175 programs in 365 communities across Canada.

“While participation in sport is the driver, we cannot underestimate how much our athletes look to Special Olympics as their social connection to friends and community,” said Sharon Bollenbach, CEO of Special Olympics Canada.

“As COVID-19 protocols start to lift in various parts of the country, we are also doing everything we can to be poised and ready to get our community sports programs up and running again.”

Since the start of COVID-19, Special Olympics Canada has had to suspend regular programs and adapt by creating and expanding virtual program offerings.

This helps combat social isolation and foster community engagement among both the athletes and volunteers.

It was the organization’s top priority to ensure the athletes remained safe, healthy and active at home while still feeling connected during this difficult time.