Walmart Canada exceeds its campaign target and raises $3.1 million for the Canadian Red Cross

Topics: National, Philanthropy News
Ottawa | November 12, 2015


Walmart Canada announced today that its annual Canadian Red Cross fundraising campaign raised $3.1 million to support disaster preparedness and response activities for communities across the country. This amount, which goes beyond the campaign target initially set at $2.6 million, includes more than $2.1 million in donations from customers across the country, a matching contribution of over $775,000 from Walmart Canada as well as donations of Walmart gift cards and blankets for families affected by disasters.

“Walmart Canada makes it possible for the Red Cross to be there before, during and after a disaster to meet the needs of the most vulnerable. Year after year, we can see how important Walmart’s contribution is to our daily humanitarian effort in communities across Canada. We are deeply grateful, and proud of the growing success of this campaign, which depends on the commitment and generosity of Walmart, its employees and its customers,” said Conrad Sauvé, president and CEO of the Canadian Red Cross.

Funds raised during Walmart Canada’s annual Red Cross Campaign are set aside to help local families after disaster strikes in their respective communities. Donations support the distribution of essential emergency supplies, hot meals, new clothing and a safe place to stay for those affected, as well as training and equipment for local volunteer teams.

“The annual Red Cross campaign has become a tradition we look forward to every year. This year’s outstanding result would not have been possible without the incredible energy, enthusiasm and generosity of our associates and customers. The work being done by the Red Cross is critical to building strong communities across the country and we are extremely proud to help them support Canadian families when they need it most,” said Christine Bomé, Senior Director Public Affairs, Walmart Canada.

Since 2003, Walmart Canada has raised and donated nearly $32 million in disaster relief funding. Last year, the company raised and donated over $2.8 million for the Canadian Red Cross. These funds provided support to flood relief operations in Quebec, Manitoba and Saskatchewan as well as close to 3,000 responses to provide relief to families affected by house fires and pre-emptive evacuations. Although they often fail to make the news, these personal disasters disrupt thousands of lives every year. Every penny counts. Walmart customers can make a real difference in their community and in the lives of local families by donating at their local Walmart.

About the Canadian Red Cross

The Canadian Red Cross is a member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, which includes the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the International Committee of the Red Cross and 189 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The Canadian Red Cross’ mission is to improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity in Canada and around the world.

About Walmart Canada

Walmart Canada operates a growing chain of 395 locations nationwide serving more than 1.2 million Canadians each day, as well as its flagship online store, www.walmart.ca, which is visited by over 450,000 Canadians daily. With more than 90,000 associates, Walmart is one of Canada’s largest employers and is ranked one of Canada’s top 10 most influential brands. Walmart Canada’s Philanthropy Program is focused on supporting families in need. Since 1994, the company has donated and raised more than $230 million to Canadian charities and not-for-profit organizations.  Additional information can be found at walmartcanada.ca, facebook.com/walmartcanada and at twitter.com/walmartcanada.

 
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