Walmart Canada and the Canadian Red Cross launch annual campaign to raise urgently needed funds to support Canadian communities

OTTAWA, Aug. 1, 2013 /CNW/ - Walmart Canada announced today its stores across the country are raising funds to support Canadian Red Cross domestic disaster preparedness and response.  The annual campaign, which runs from August 1 to August 25 in Walmart stores from coast-to-coast, is expected to raise millions of dollars.

During the three-week campaign, customers are invited to make a $1 donation to the Canadian Red Cross at the checkout.  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 $21 million to support the Canadian Red Cross, including more than $2.8 million in 2012 alone.

"Walmart is one of the first corporations to contact the Red Cross following a disaster," says Tim Hoswitschka, director of national corporate relations for the Canadian Red Cross.  "From recent flooding in Western Canada to the train derailment in Lac-Mégantic, Walmart is always ready to support our efforts by offering in-kind goods, collecting funds, making corporate donations and offering a helping hand from its associates."

This year, with support from Walmart, the Canadian Red Cross is using Facebook to encourage household disaster preparedness through the launch of a new app. The free Red Cross preparedness calculator app, available through www.facebook.com/canadianredcross, allows users to create a customized list of items required for a household emergency preparedness kit to meet the needs of their family in a disaster. It is the first app of its kind developed by the Canadian Red Cross.

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.

"Walmart Canada is proud to be the Canadian Red Cross' leading corporate sponsor. We're committed to helping Canadian families in need and our partnership with the Canadian Red Cross allows us to lend a hand when disaster strikes.  We are always standing by, ready to assist the Canadian Red Cross to ensure Canadians get the help they need when they need it the most" said John Lawrence, director of corporate social responsibility for Walmart Canada. "All funds raised through this campaign remain in the community where they're donated to help local families should a disaster occur."

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]