Walmart Canada donates $30,000 to Food Banks Canada to help local food banks respond to winter storms

• Retailer's support will help food banks replenish their supplies after winter storms devastate Eastern Canada

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Jan. 7, 2014 /CNW/ - In response to the winter storms that affected residents of Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, Walmart Canada today announced a donation of $30,000 to Food Banks Canada to share with many of the impacted communities.

"At Walmart Canada, we understand the important role food banks play in helping Canadian families in need, said John Lawrence, director of corporate social responsibility at Walmart Canada. "The storms that touched much of Eastern Canada placed an increased and unexpected demand on food banks, and we're happy to help them replenish much needed supplies."   

"At times like these, when events can take a significant toll on families that are already struggling, we are especially grateful to companies like Walmart Canada for making  critical donations to local food banks to assist their communities," said Katharine Schmidt, executive director of Food Banks Canada.

The $30,000 donation is in addition to a $100,000 donation Walmart Canada recently made to Food Banks Canada for its Retail Food Program which aims to increase support to food banks through donations of surplus food and household products. Walmart Canada has proudly supported the Retail Food Program since May 2012 through which the company provides support to over 200 organizations.  The Retail Food Program connects local food banks with Walmart Canada stores across the country.

Walmart Canada is committed to helping Canadian families in need and works closely with several charitable organizations across Canada, including Canadian Red Cross, to fund urgent needs that arise when emergencies and disasters occur. In 2013 Walmart raised and donated more than $3 million to support emergency and domestic disaster relief response.  

About Walmart Canada
Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, Walmart Canada operates a growing network of more than 380 stores and one of the strongest community involvement 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 million 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.

SOURCE: Walmart Canada

Walmart Canada Corporate Affairs, [email protected]