Initiative in support of local food banks to relieve hunger and prevent hunger
MISSISSAUGA, ON, Oct. 1, 2014 /CNW/ - This Thanksgiving, from October 2 to October 12, Walmart Canada is launching its first ever national food drive in partnership with local food banks to support families in need. Customers are encouraged to make a non-perishable food donation for their local food bank at their local Walmart store.
For many, Thanksgiving is a time to gather around the dinner table to enjoy a meal with loved ones. However, for 850,000 Canadians (300,000 of whom are children), this time of year is another reminder of how much the support of others is needed to make this tradition possible.
Walmart also supports local food banks through its retail donation program. Hundreds of thousands of pounds of much-needed food are donated each year from Walmart stores nationwide and this number continues to grow as the company extends its Supercentre format across the county. More than two thirds of Walmart stores are now Supercentres, providing a full range of groceries and general merchandise under one roof.
"We're proud to partner with Food Banks Canada to address the serious issue of hunger through this national food drive," said John Lawrence, director of corporate social responsibility for Walmart Canada. "We know how generous Canadians are, and we are thankful for the opportunity to come together to provide families in need with something extra to celebrate on Thanksgiving."
Customers can look for signs on store shelves clearly identifying the products that are most needed by food banks. Whether purchasing a few extra items while shopping or bringing in excess food from home, all non-perishable foods can be dropped off at a local Walmart. Customers can also donate online by visiting Walmart's Virtual Food Drive. In addition, for every Walmart Rewards™ MasterCard® application completed at the register between October 10 and October 12, Walmart Financial will donate $1 to Food Banks Canada.
"We know that thousands of families across the country rely on our services to make this occasion possible", said Katharine Schmidt, executive director of Food Banks Canada. "We thank Walmart Canada for its ongoing support and encourage Canadians to affirm the great work national food bank employees and volunteers do on a daily basis and to rally behind this great initiative by donating this Thanksgiving."
Visit www.walmart.ca/thankyoucanada for information on the Thanksgiving Food Drive and Walmart's efforts to support families in need.
About Food Banks Canada
Food Banks Canada supports a unique network of food-related organizations in every province and territory, which assists almost 850,000 Canadians each month. Together our network shares over 200 million pounds of essential, safe, quality food annually, provides social programs that help to foster self-sufficiency, and advocates for policy change that will help create a Canada where no one goes hungry. Visit foodbankscanada.ca for more information or like us on Facebook or follow us on twitter at FoodBanksCanada.
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 more than 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 twitter.com/@walmartcanada.
The Walmart Rewards MasterCard® is issued by Walmart Canada Bank. All Walmart trademarks are the property of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and are used by Walmart Canada Bank under license.
SOURCE: Walmart Canada
Susie Nick, APEX Public Relations, [email protected], 416-934-2125
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