Safeway stores in Astoria and Seaside are among 121 stores in Oregon and Southwest Washington participating in an October fund-raising campaign as part of October Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The project will benefit the educational and treatment programs of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Events at various locations range from barbecues, raffles, book sales, store competitions, and pink ribbon sales while customers check out.

“Everybody knows somebody who has been touched by breast cancer. That’s why it’s critical we do as much as we can to eradicate this deadly disease. I’m extremely pleased by the generous support of Safeway customers and the commitment from my fellow employees to raise money to fight breast cancer,” said Rick Taylor, Safeway store manager and top 2003 campaign fund-raiser from Vancouver, Wash.

Safeway employees have raised $235,000 during the first two weeks of the campaign – more than double the amount raised last year. Safeway is hoping to reach $350,000 before the end of the month. In the past four years, Safeway has raised more than $6 million dollars nationally to help fight breast cancer and more than $300,000 in Oregon and SW Washington.

“With the generous support from companies like Safeway, we are able to increase our outreach and education programs to help underserved populations in Oregon and southwest Washington communities regarding breast health, education and research,” said Kyle Camberg, development specialist for the Komen Foundation.

The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation was established in 1982 by Nancy Brinker to honor the memory of her sister who died of breast cancer at the age of 36. The mission of the Komen Foundation is to eradicate breast cancer as a life threatening disease by advancing research, education, screening and treatment.