Walmart Canada and Canadian Red Cross join forces to help communities across Canada
Funds raised in communities stay in those communities
Ottawa, August 5, 2009 -- Walmart Canada announced today that its stores nationwide will be raising much-needed funds for Canadian Red Cross. The campaign, which runs from August 5 to 31 in 312 outlets coast-to-coast, is expected to raise $2.1 million. Since 2003, Walmart Canada has raised and donated nearly $7 million to support the Canadian Red Cross.
During the three-week campaign, customers are invited to donate at the cash register to support disaster relief. “Walmart is one of the first corporations to call the Red Cross when disasters strike — offering in-kind goods, collecting funds, making corporate donations or offering a helping hand from its associates,” says Tim Hoswitschka, director of national corporate relations for the Canadian Red Cross.
Money raised during this campaign will help to provide urgently needed relief items during disasters and beyond. Funds raised in communities will stay in the communities to help in times of disaster - from house fires to larger-scale disasters. Additionally, Walmart’s sponsorship helps Canadian Red Cross provide emergency supplies such as blankets, clothing, water and hygiene kits which include toothbrushes, soap and other toiletries.
“As the leading corporate sponsor of the Canadian Red Cross, we’re proud to do our part to ensure the Red Cross is ready when disaster strikes,” said John Lawrence, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility for Walmart Canada. “Supporting the Red Cross is one small way to ensure our communities get the help they need when they need it the most.
From the spring floods in Manitoba to the summer forest fires in British Columbia, Red Cross is there in times of need for Canadians whose lives are disrupted due to disaster.
Canadians wishing to support Red Cross disaster preparedness and response are encouraged to make a financial donation by donating online at www.redcross.ca.
About 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 187 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Our mission is to improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity in Canada and around the world.
About Walmart Canada Corp.
Walmart Canada operates a growing network of 312 outlets nationwide, serving more than one million Canadians daily. With 80,000 associates, the company is Canada's fourth largest employer. Walmart Canada has one of the of the largest and strongest community involvement programs in Canada. In 2008, the company raised and donated $20 million or $384,000 weekly, to support more than one thousand charities and organizations in need.
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For more information or to arrange an interview:
Contact local Red Cross Public Affairs staff
Or, call the Red Cross 24 hour media line: 613-740-1994
Felicia Fefer, Corporate Affairs, Walmart Canada, 905-821-2111
