Canadian Red Cross receives a record $2.64 million donation from Walmart
Canada

Walmart extends its support as Hurricane Earl approaches Atlantic Canada

OTTAWA, Sept. 3 /CNW/ - As Atlantic Canada braces for Hurricane Earl, Walmart Canada announced today that its annual Canadian Red Cross campaign has raised $2.64 million for disaster preparedness and response. Throughout August, Walmart customers were invited to add a $1 donation for the Canadian Red Cross to their purchase. The $2.64 million raised includes over $2 million from customer donations and $634,000 from Walmart Canada's corporate matching grants. Customer donations increased by 9.6 per cent over the 2009 campaign.

"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 are always standing by, ready to support the Canadian Red Cross to ensure our communities get the help they need when they need it the most."

"Funds raised in communities are put to work in those same communities to help the Canadian Red Cross prepare and respond - from house fires to hurricanes and other larger-scale disasters," said Conrad Sauvé, secretary general and CEO at the Canadian Red Cross. "Walmart Canada remains the Red Cross' largest corporate donor and we greatly appreciate their continued support."

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 nearly $16 million to the Canadian Red Cross.

When families or entire communities are impacted by natural disaster or other emergency, the Canadian Red Cross can respond immediately with a range of services including emergency shelter and family reunification. Its 5,000 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 government funding, financial support from individuals, organizations and community-minded corporate donors such as Walmart.

Walmart Canada operates a growing network of 319 outlets nationwide, serving more than one million Canadians daily. With 82,000 associates, the company is Canada's third-largest employer. Walmart Canada has one of the of the largest and strongest community involvement programs in Canada. In 2009, the company raised and donated more than $25 million or $490,000 weekly, to support more than one thousand charities and organizations in need.

For further information:

Canadian Red Cross

Local public affairsor the national media line 613-740-1994.

Walmart  Canada

Felicia Fefer

Corporate Affairs

905-821-2111 ext. 4466