Canadian Red Cross receives a record $2.45 million donation from Walmart
Canada campaign

Canadians dig deep and donate 58 per cent more for local disaster relief

OTTAWA , Sept. 17 /CNW Telbec/ - Walmart Canada announced today that its Canadian Red Cross campaign exceeded its $2.1 million goal to raise a record $2.45 million for disaster preparedness and response. Throughout August, customers were invited to add a $1 donation for the Red Cross to their purchase. The campaign raised $2.45 million including $1.8 million from in-store donations and $624,000 from Walmart Canada's corporate matching grants.

From spring flooding in Manitoba to summer fires in British Columbia and tornados in Ontario, the Canadian Red Cross says recent disasters likely prompted Canadians to give generously during the month-long national fundraising event for its disaster programs. "Our rapid response to recent disasters across the country has encouraged Canadians to dig deep and donate," said Conrad Sauvé, secretary general and CEO at the Canadian Red Cross. "Funds raised in communities are put to work in those same communities to help - from house fires to larger-scale disasters."

Walmart Canada's sponsorship helps Canadian Red Cross provide emergency supplies such as blankets, clothing, water and hygiene kits which include toothbrushes, soap and other toiletries. Including this year's record donation, since 2003, Walmart Canada , its customers, associates and suppliers have raised and donated more than $9 million to the Canadian Red Cross. Walmart Canada remains the Red Cross' largest corporate donor.

"Walmart Canada is proud to play a pivotal role in providing urgently needed relief items during disasters and beyond," said David Cheesewright, president and CEO of Walmart Canada . "We want to thank our customers and associates for their record levels of generosity making this year's campaign our best ever."

The Canadian Red Cross helps people affected by emergencies and both human-caused and natural disasters. Its 30,000 highly trained volunteers provide for emergency needs like food, shelter, emotional support and family reunification. All Red Cross assistance is provided free of charge thanks to financial support from individuals, organizations and community-minded corporate donors such as Walmart. Canadians are always welcome to donate to the Red Cross to support its disaster management programs, online at www.redcross.ca, by calling 1-800-418-1111, or in person at any Canadian Red Cross office.

Walmart Canada operates a growing network of 312 outlets nationwide, serving more than one million Canadians daily. Walmart Canada has one of the of the largest and strongest community involvement programs in Canada . In 2008, the company raised and donated $22 million or $423,000 weekly, to support more than one thousand charities and organizations in need.

For further information: Canadian Red Cross local public affairs or 24-hour media relations line, [phone]; Felicia Fefer, Corporate Affairs, Walmart Canada, [phone] ext. 4466