Jeffrey Downes

Jeffrey Downes

Proudly Serving: Safeway #8824, Calgary, AB

Position: Produce Manager

Core Value: Always Place the Customer First

After more than 36 years in the grocery business, Jeff Downes still says that interacting with customers makes coming to work enjoyable and fun. “Recognizing their needs and making sure they get what they came in for, that’s what we do,” Jeff said. Occasionally, Jeff helps customers with more than finding the best fruit and vegetables. Over the years he has boosted cars for stranded shoppers, and recently he drove a woman home when her backpack was stolen and she had no way to carry her groceries. Another day Jeff witnessed a minor car accident, and the subsequent theft of the same car. He identified the thief a few days later at a nearby train station and called police, who found the vehicle and returned it to its elderly owner. “Jeff is never shy to jump in and help when other departments need him. He has a can do attitude and each and every day makes a difference in the lives of those around him,” wrote his manager.