Wal-Mart Canada Expands Partnership with Canadian Red Cross

Retailer’s $300,000 boosts Canadian disaster preparedness and response programs

January 27, 2005 – Toronto – The Canadian Red Cross announced today that Wal-Mart Canada is donating $300,000 to establish the
Canadian Red Cross / Wal-Mart Canada Disaster Preparedness and Response Fund. Wal-Mart has also contributed more than $1 million to the Red Cross tsunami appeal.

The Canadian Red Cross / Wal-Mart Canada Disaster Preparedness and Response Fund will assist the Red Cross in building its capacity to train and deploy disaster management specialists in Canada and overseas. Funds will also strengthen the capacity of the Red Cross to provide immediate life saving assistance and long-term programming.

Dozens of specialists trained by Red Cross are currently providing assistance in the Asian countries affected by the recent tsunami.

“Wal-Mart Canada’s corporate vision is commendable and the establishment of a response fund will increase the efficiency of
Red Cross during disasters wherever they occur,” said John Mulvihill, Deputy Secretary General of Operations, Canadian Red Cross.
“Wal-Mart’s gift of $300,000 shows tremendous leadership, corporate commitment and spirit of generosity.”

Wal-Mart has been a corporate partner with the Canadian Red Cross since 2003. The company has supported a variety of initiatives—such as providing bottled water, food, urgently needed equipment and financial support to Canadian families affected by disasters.

“Our partnership with Canadian Red Cross is a key component of our Good Works program which supports truly worthwhile causes that matter to our Canadian customers,” said Roland Boudreau, Senior Vice President of Operations, Wal-Mart Canada Corp. “We look forward to telling our customers and business partners about Red Cross’ hard work and our commitment to helping them make a difference around the world and in our backyard.”

For more information, contact:

Posted January 27, 2005