MISSISSAUGA, ON, June 28, 2013 /CNW/ - With cleanup underway after the unprecedented flooding in Alberta, Walmart Canada is actively working with the Canadian Red Cross to ensure those communities and families affected by the disaster receive the services they need. Walmart Canada has mobilized its distribution network to support the Red Cross' Alberta Floods Appeal. The retailer has donated the use of its trucks and expert volunteers skilled in logistics and supply chain management to move a variety of supplies, including cots and rescue blankets for the Red Cross. The retailer is moving goods from distribution centres across the country, some product coming from as far east as Quebec.
In addition, the retailer has donated a wide range of products including pillows, towels and household cleaning supplies for thousands of cleaning kits to be distributed to Calgary area residents on Saturday, June 29, 2013. To date, all of these product donations represent a commitment of more than $100,000 of in-kind donations to the Canadian Red Cross. In addition, the retailer's Alberta in-store fundraising cash register campaign to support flood relief has raised more than $160,000. The retailer also launched an online appeal to help create awareness for the Red Cross' appeal with banners on walmart.ca and walmartcanada.ca.
| What: | Volunteers distribute cleaning kits and other household supplies to thousands of families to assist with the Calgary clean-up efforts |
| When: | Saturday, June 29, 2013 |
| Time: | 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. |
| Where: |
Avalon Warehouse - Bay A123 7139 44th Street SE Calgary, AB |
"Walmart Canada's support in the mass distribution of relief supplies has been instrumental in helping us provide services to those affected by the flooding in Alberta," said Tim Hoswitschka, director of national corporate relations for the Canadian Red Cross. "Their support means when families or entire communities are impacted by natural disaster, our team can respond quickly and effectively."
"Walmart is committed to helping Canadian families in need," said John Lawrence, director of corporate social responsibility for Walmart Canada. "We immediately reached out to the Canadian Red Cross to provide additional support and mobilized our distribution network to help victims of the floods in Alberta. We will continue to work with the Red Cross and assist them however we can."
Including its annual month-long fundraiser last August, Walmart Canada raised and donated over $2.8 million to the Canadian Red Cross in 2012, and more than $21 million since 2003, to support emergency and disaster relief response. Last year alone, the Canadian Red Cross responded to 2,321 disasters and more than 46,719 people were directly assisted following various emergencies and disasters across the country.
About Walmart Canada
Walmart Canada operates a growing network of 380 stores, employing 95,000 Canadians, and serving more than one million customers each day. The company's vision is to demonstrate environmental leadership by reducing the ecological impact of its operations through company-wide programs focused on waste, energy and products, as well as outreach programs that preserve and enhance local environments. Visit www.walmartcsr.ca for more company information or follow Walmart Canada on Twitter at www.twitter.com/walmartcanada.
Image with caption: "Walmart Canada mobilizes its distribution network. Retailer donates trucks and expert volunteers skilled in logistics and supply chain management to move a variety of supplies to support flood relief. (CNW Group/Walmart Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130628_C4280_PHOTO_EN_28639.jpg
SOURCE: Walmart Canada
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