2020 Winners

Value Champions are employees from across all banners, locations, provinces and job descriptions. What they have in common is an exceptional dedication to embracing the principles that make us strong. Value Champions represent the very best of Sobeys.

Special Message from our CEO and President, Michael Medline

2020 National Winner

Alice Warner - Store Manager, Safeway McBride in
New Westminster, British Columbia

Alice Warner worked her way up from deli clerk to store manager, and she is dedicated to giving others the opportunity to excel. Known for her strong team leadership, customer loyalty and commitment to her community, Alice was recently named a 2020 Star Women Awards recipient by Canadian Grocer. In 2020, she added the “National Value Champion” title to her long list of achievements! Passionate about diversity, equity and inclusion, Alice is a committed advocate of leadership opportunities for women in store operations. She has committed countless hours in helping establish Sobeys’ Women’s Inclusion Network in B.C. and takes an active role mentoring and developing women within store operations.

“When women succeed it gives them confidence and the opportunity to move ahead and to make our company grow and shine,” said Alice.

“I like to encourage both men and women to step into leadership roles regardless of what their status is in their personal life — that we can always figure out, but I like to see people succeed.”

Alice’s can-do attitude was learned at a young age when her newly widowed mother Esther, now 82, moved her five children from northern B.C. to Vancouver, returned to school, and then started a successful career.

"She led by example, teaching us that you can do whatever you want in your life,” said Alice.

“It’s important that we go after what makes our hearts happy and what we can excel in.”

Alice brings the same passion and commitment to her community every day and is known for her ability to develop instant connections, while frequently raising money and awareness for various charitable groups. Alice’s high level of execution on store standards, passion for her store, staff, and customers make her a true Value Champion.

2020 Value Winners

Customer-Driven People-Powered Community-Engaged Results-Oriented

Shaun DillonCashier Supervisor, Topsail Road Sobeys in St. John's, Newfoundland

With patience and kindness, Shaun Dillon saved the day for an elderly customer, and earned a garden tour for his efforts.

Noticing a delay in the express lane, he brought the lady to a quiet register so she wouldn’t be rushed finding her money in her purse. He also helped her carry the groceries home across the road after he spotted her outside struggling with her bags.

“While I was there, she told me her entire life story: about all her kids, where she's lived, and about her husband who had passed away, and her flowers. And it was an awesome experience,” said Shaun.

“I think it was just the way I was brought up,” he said. “I was always taught to treat people with kindness and sometimes that can sound a little cheesy, but it shouldn't. It should be an easy thing to treat people with respect.”

Sobeys is Shaun’s first job; he has been working at the store for six years as he completes a degree in sociology and communications.

Lincoln LeePharmacy District Manager in Mississauga, Ontario

The relationship between pharmacists and patients leaves a lasting impression — even after the pharmacist has moved on from the pharmacy.

One former customer kept a business card from Lincoln Lee, and she called for help with a problem. He not only helped her resolve her issue, but also had her prescription filled and dropped it off at her home.

Having worked in pharmacies since he was in high school, Lincoln understands that the front line teams at the 20 stores in his region are the best ambassadors of the Sobeys brand.

“Pharmacists generally are viewed, in a lot of surveys, as one of the most trusted professions,” said Lincoln. “We’re accessible and have time to speak to our patients and customers…it’s important that our pharmacists are well-equipped to handle questions and situations.”

As a manager, Lincoln says supporting and empowering teams is important.

“If I can make it easier for them to do the best job that they can and make sure our customers are satisfied, then I'm going to certainly do that,” he said.

Corinna IveyStore Manager, Safeway Sardis in Chilliwack, British Columbia

Corinna Ivey credits her late mother as the biggest influence in her life.

“My mom was an extremely hard worker, and if anybody in the neighbourhood needed anything she was the first person to bring food, give the shirt off her back, anything she could do to help,” said Corinna.

Following in her footsteps, Corinna was quick to help a fellow Sobeys employee whose son went missing. She put up posters, prepared food for search parties, and offered a compassionate shoulder to cry on.

“I just think it's something you do no matter what, so I was a little shocked to see that I was nominated (for the award),” said Corinna.

As a store manager, Corinna says that Sobeys is “more about the employees and the customers, it's not just a business,” and works to make sure that her employees and customers feel safe.

“Even from store to store, if somebody needs something all the store managers jump in and help out ... it’s a family.”

Lawrence LimogesStore Manager, IGA Farnham in Farnham, Quebec

Lawrence Limoges takes pride in his ability to give back to his community.

“For me, it's important to bring the Sobeys experience to the community and then to my work team,” said Lawrence.

“Over the past year, Lawrence has worked hard to make a difference within the community, even while managing the COVID-19 crisis,” read his nomination letter.

Supporting local food producers by adding their products to the store shelves, he also developed partnerships with organizations in need, including skating and hockey clubs, a seniors’ centre, Chevaliers de Colomb, and local schools.

“Sobeys is like a family,” said Lawrence. “As a family guy myself, it means a lot. It’s working closely with your team to pursue these values, and when you set an example for your team, it’s the customers who benefit and feel welcome in your store.”

“The recognition and appreciation that I am given in my work makes me proud to be part of this great big family,” said Lawrence. “My Sobeys is commitment, solidarity, family and dedication.”

Victoria PigottLearning Specialist in Calgary, Alberta

Giving Sobeys employees the opportunity to expand their knowledge and skills is a key part of the Nourish U Management Training Program at Sobeys.

Now in its second cohort, Vicki was one of a few key employees who launched the program in 2018, working long days and weekends to ensure its success.

“To me it's less about the program being successful… it's about the people at the other end, that they can build the knowledge and skills to be successful and feel confident in their role,” said Vicki.

Vicki credits her parents, who emigrated to Canada from Hungary in the 1950s not yet knowing English or French, as the biggest influence in her life. Their story of overcoming barriers guides her work as she helps others learn, and it also helps her embody the Sobeys company purpose of We are a family nurturing families.

“What inspires me from my parents’ story is that no matter how steep a challenge may seem, with the right attitude, hard work, and determination, success can be achieved,” she said.

All 2020 Winners

All 2020 Value Champions are listed below. Clicking on a name will bring up that profile. You can also search by name.

Shaun Dillon

Corinna Ivey

Lincoln Lee

Lawrence Limoges

Victoria Pigott

Alice Warner

Proudly Serving: Safeway #4917, New Westminster, BC

Position: Store Manager

Core Value: Customer-Driven