Walmart Canada kicks off campaign to raise $2.6 million for the Canadian Red
Cross

Funds raised in communities are put to work in those same communities

OTTAWA, Aug. 6 /CNW/ - People think "it won't happen to me", but last year 23,000 Canadians needed disaster assistance from the Canadian Red Cross. Walmart Canada is launching its annual campaign to raise much-needed funds for Canadian Red Cross' disaster response. Walmart has set the largest campaign goal to date at $2.6 million. The campaign runs from August 5 to 31 in 319 Walmart stores coast-to-coast.

During the three-week campaign, customers are invited to purchase a $1 paper icon and Walmart will generously match customer donations - up to $2,000 at each of their 319 stores. Since 2003, Walmart Canada has raised and donated $13 million to support the Canadian Red Cross disaster response.

"Time and time again Walmart demonstrates generosity at every level of their organization when disaster strikes - offering emergency goods, collecting funds and making corporate donations," said Tim Hoswitschka, director of national corporate relations for the Canadian Red Cross.

Funds raised in communities will be put to work in those same communities to help in times of disaster - from house fires to larger-scale disasters. Additionally, Walmart's support helps Canadian Red Cross provide emergency supplies such as blankets, clothing, water and hygiene kits which include toothbrushes, soap and other toiletries.

"As the leading corporate sponsor of the Canadian Red Cross, we're proud to do our part to ensure the Red Cross is ready and equipped with the resources they need when disaster strikes," said John Lawrence, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility for Walmart Canada. "Through our partnership over the past seven years, we've been able to assist tens of thousands of Canadians with support when they needed it the most."

About 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 185 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Our 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 network of 319 outlets nationwide, serving more than one million Canadians daily. With 80,000 associates, the company is Canada's third-largest employer. Walmart Canada has one of the of the largest and strongest community involvement programs in Canada. In 2009, the company raised and donated more than $25 million or $490,000 weekly, to support more than one thousand charities and organizations in need.

For further information: or to arrange an interview: Red Cross: contact local Red Cross Public Affairs staff or the Red Cross media line: 613-740-1994; Walmart Canada: Felicia Fefer, Corporate Affairs, Walmart Canada, 905-821-2111 x4466