OTTAWA, Aug. 2, 2012 /CNW/ - Walmart Canada announced today its stores across the country are raising funds to support Canadian Red Cross disaster preparedness and response. The annual campaign, which runs from August 2 to August 26 in Walmart stores from coast-to-coast, is expected to raise over $3 million.
During the three-week campaign, customers are invited to make a $1 donation to the Canadian Red Cross at the check out. Walmart will generously match customer donations, up to $2,000, at each of its stores. Since 2003, Walmart Canada has donated and raised more than $19 million to support the Canadian Red Cross.
"From a small house fire to widespread flooding, the Canadian Red Cross is there in times of need for Canadians whose lives are disrupted by disaster," said Tim Hoswitschka, director of national corporate relations for the Canadian Red Cross. "Walmart is one of the first corporations to help the Red Cross following a disaster offering in-kind goods, collecting funds, making corporate donations or offering a helping hand from its associates. Through this annual campaign, Walmart employees and customers can help ensure that the Red Cross is ready for the next call for help."
Money raised through Walmart's annual fundraising campaign will help provide urgently needed support to Canadians affected by disaster. This assistance includes important relief items, such as blankets, food, shelter, and the training and equipping of local volunteers.
"As a national partner of the Canadian Red Cross, we're proud to do our part to ensure the Red Cross is ready when the time comes and equipped with the resources needed to respond when disaster strikes," said John Lawrence, director of corporate social responsibility for Walmart Canada. "Since 2003, we've been able to assist tens of thousands of Canadian families with support when they needed it the most."
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.
Walmart Canada operates a growing chain of more than 330 stores, employing 90,000 Canadians, serving more than one million customers each day. Walmart continues to be a leader in corporate philanthropy, sustainability and employment opportunity. Since 1994, the company has donated and raised more than $160 million to Canadian charities and not-for-profit organizations. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting walmartcanada.ca or walmartcsr.ca and on Twitter at @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]
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