Canadian Red Cross receives a record $3.1 million donation from annual Walmart Canada campaign

OTTAWA, Sept. 25, 2013 /CNW/ - Walmart Canada is pleased to announce that its annual fundraising campaign for the Canadian Red Cross raised $3.1 million for disaster preparedness and response activities in communities across the country. This is the largest domestic fundraising total in the 10-year partnership between the Canadian Red Cross and Walmart Canada.

"We are extremely proud of this year's fundraising campaign and our continued partnership with the Canadian Red Cross," said John Lawrence, director of corporate social responsibility at Walmart Canada. "Our customers and associates have shown record levels of generosity during a year of record need."

Since 2003, Walmart Canada has donated and raised more than $24 million to the Canadian Red Cross.  These funds have provided emergency needs like food, shelter, emotional support and family reunification.

"Funds raised are put to work in communities from coast-to-cost to help the Canadian Red Cross prepare and respond - from individual house fires to larger-scale disasters like the recent flooding in Alberta and train derailment in Lac-Mégantic," says Conrad Sauvé, secretary general and CEO of the Canadian Red Cross. "As our largest corporate supporter, we are extremely grateful to Walmart Canada for supporting us in our mission to improve the lives of vulnerable people."

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 over 187 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
Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, Walmart Canada operates a growing network of 380 stores and one of the strongest community giving programs in Canada. Walmart Canada gives back to local communities in ways that matter most to its customers and associates. In 2012, the company raised and donated more than $22.8 million or $435,000 weekly, to charities and organizations in need. Visit www.walmartcsr.ca for more company information or follow Walmart Canada on Twitter at www.twitter.com/walmartcanada and on Facebook at Facebook.com/walmartcanada.

SOURCE: CANADIAN RED CROSS

For more information or to arrange an interview:

Red Cross media line: 613-740-1994
Walmart Canada Corporate Affairs: [email protected]