Safeway announced that it raised more than $18.6 million for breast cancer research and prevention programs during its annual October fundraising campaign at its stores throughout the U.S. and Canada. The company will donate the funds to more than a dozen cancer centers with reputations for conducting leading-edge research. Safeway will also continue to fund digital mobile breast cancer screening units in the company’s operating regions in an effort to bring this important service to women in underserved communities.

“Our customers, employees and suppliers continue to inspire us with their generosity and dedication to the cause of finding a cure for breast cancer,” said Larree Renda, Safeway Executive Vice President and Chair of the Safeway Foundation. “This kind of exceptional fundraising result gives us an even greater opportunity to team up with some of the most innovative research institutions focused on ultimately finding a cure for this devastating disease.”

Over the past eight years, Safeway along with its employees and customers have raised nearly $60 million by soliciting donations and through the sale of specially-marked products available throughout the store. For example, this year stores sold reusable pink-ribbon grocery bags with the words “Support the Cause.” One hundred percent of the proceeds from each bag sold went directly to breast cancer research. In addition, Safeway sponsored 10 Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation “Race for the Cure” events across the U.S. and fielded teams of walkers who solicited pledges to raise additional funds.