Walmart Canada and the Canadian Red Cross launch annual in-store fundraising campaign to support Canadian families in need during disasters

OTTAWA, Aug. 7, 2014 /CNW/ - In 2013, the Canadian Red Cross provided assistance to nearly 90,000 people in response to 2,700 emergencies across Canada. With a high number of emergencies over the past year, and recent large-scale disasters such as flooding in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, donations made during this year's annual Walmart campaign are more important than ever. 

From August 7 to August 29, Walmart stores across the country are raising funds to support Canadian Red Cross disaster preparedness and response. The campaign provides reliable, consistent, dependable funding so that, when disaster strikes, the Red Cross has the funds to act immediately.

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 up to $780,000. Since 2003, Walmart Canada has donated and raised more than $25 million to support the Canadian Red Cross, including more than $3 million over the last year alone. 

"Walmart is an invaluable part of the Canadian Red Cross team that responds to disasters across the country," said Conrad Sauvé, secretary general and CEO of the Canadian Red Cross. "They are often one of the first corporations to offer their support by offering in-kind goods, collecting funds, making corporate donations and offering a helping hand from its associates."

Money raised through Walmart's annual fundraising campaign helps 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.

"We are committed to the communities we serve and to supporting Canadian families in need especially during times of emergencies," said John Lawrence, director of corporate social responsibility at Walmart Canada. "We're a proud partner of the Canadian Red Cross and we value our role in making sure Canadians have the support they need when they need it the most."

This year, the Canadian Red Cross is launching the mobile version its free preparedness calculator app, which allows users to create a customized list of items required for a household emergency preparedness kit to meet the need of their family in a disaster.  This app, supported by Walmart and previously only available through Facebook, will be free on the App Store. 

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 189 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

Walmart Canada operates a growing chain of 391 locations nationwide serving more than one million customers each day, as well as its flagship online store, www.walmart.ca, which is visited by over 400,000 Canadians daily. With 90,000 associates, Walmart is one of Canada's largest employers and is ranked one of Canada's top 10 most influential brands. Walmart Canada is focused on supporting families in need. Since 1994, the company has donated and raised more than $200 million to Canadian charities and not-for-profit organizations.  Additional company information can be found at walmartcanada.ca,facebook.com/walmartcanada and at http://www.twitter.com/walmartcanada.

SOURCE: Canadian Red Cross

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