Walmart Canada enlists Canadian lighting enthusiasts to make their neighbourhoods a little more #MerryandBright for a good cause

Three lighting enthusiasts team up with neighbours to create lighting displays and help raise funds for Children's Miracle Network

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Nov. 16, 2016 /CNW/ - It's almost impossible to imagine Christmas without neighbourhoods full of homes decorated and shining brightly for the holiday season. To add a bit more magic to the season, Walmart asked three lighting enthusiasts to take a neighbour under their wing to decorate their home, and to help raise money for Children's Miracle Network.

Using some of the newest innovations in outdoor lighting, such as projection lights, and décor, like continually popular inflatables from Walmart, each set of neighbours worked together to create their most festive display – all for a good cause. Canadians will be able to view images of these homes and vote for their favourite. For every vote, Walmart is donating $1 to Children's Miracle Network, up to $25,000.

"Some Canadians have a real knack for decorating the exterior of their homes and we asked a few of these experts to share their talents with a neighbour for a great cause," said Marc Ruffolo, senior category manager, seasonal at Walmart Canada. "Walmart's selection of lights, inflatables and other outdoor holiday décor at low prices every day makes it easy and affordable for anyone to get into the holiday spirit."

How to vote
Canadians can go to the voting page on facebook.com/walmartcanada to view the decorated homes and vote for their favourite between now and November 25, 2016. Every vote will mean a $1 donation to Children's Miracle Network. Each week, Canadians who vote will be entered to win a $200 Walmart gift card. For more information on the contest rules and regulations, visit http://bit.ly/2fwEwe4.  

Top outdoor decorating tips for Holiday 2016
Walmart's team of lighting and décor experts have compiled some tips to help decorating enthusiasts make the season even more #MerryandBright.

• Add projection lights for dynamic décor: Perfect for any lighting display (or as an easy alternative to traditional string lights), projection lights bathe indoor or outdoor spaces in animated shapes and colours. The Star Laser Light Projector ($39.98) features red and green lasers that can be used separately or together to rotate patterns indoors or outdoors, covering up to 3,000 square feet. The Points of Light LS Projector ($59.98) offers 13 different colour combinations to project on the home. The remote control-operated light projects 180 degrees to create dynamic displays on walls and ceilings. Indoors, Lightshow Projection Bulbs ($10.98) can be easily installed into lamps for various lighting effects.
• Save money with energy efficient – and boldly colourful – LED string lights: The new generation of LED lights are more energy efficient and give off truer colours than incandescent string lights. The LED M5 String Lights ($16.98) with 100 bulbs are just one of the many options to be the start of any great lighting display. Walmart also carries coloured bulbs and additional sizes, such as LED C7 – C9 String Lights ($9.97 for a 25-light strand).
• Add big impact for just a little money: From Santa himself to licensed characters like Minions or Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, inflatables continue to be a hugely popular way to add some flare to any holiday display, with prices starting around $20.

About Children's Miracle Network
Children's Miracle Network® raises funds for 170 children's hospitals, 14 of which are in Canada. These hospitals, in turn, use the money where it's needed the most. When a donation is given, it stays in the community, ensuring that every dollar is helping local kids. Established in 1983, Children's Miracle Network raises funds to support critical research, education, purchase life-saving equipment, and ensure excellence in care, all in support of our mission to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible. Learn more at ChildrensMiracleNetwork.ca.

About Walmart Canada
Walmart Canada operates a growing chain of  more than 405 stores nationwide serving more than 1.2 million customers each day. Walmart Canada's flagship online store, walmart.ca is visited by 600,000 customers daily. With more than 90,000 associates, Walmart Canada is one of Canada's largest employers and is ranked one of the country's top 10 most influential brands. Walmart Canada's extensive philanthropy program is focused on supporting Canadian families in need, and since 1994 Walmart has raised and donated $250 million to Canadian charities. Additional information can be found at walmartcanada.ca, facebook.com/walmartcanada and at twitter.com/walmartcanada.

SOURCE Walmart Canada

For media inquiries, please contact: Felicia Fefer, Manager, Marketing Communications, Walmart Canada, [email protected]; Cole Douglas, APEX Public Relations, t: 416-934-2112, [email protected]