Walmart Canada raises a record $850,000 for Juno Beach Centre

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Nov. 10 /CNW/ - Walmart Canada announced today that its recent "Give thanks! Give a dollar" campaign in support of the Juno Beach Centre in Normandy, France raised a record $850,000 . The Juno Beach Centre represents the war effort made by all Canadians, civilians and military alike, both at home and on various fronts during World War II.

During Walmart's national campaign, which ran from October 8 - 22 in all 313 stores across the country, customers were asked to purchase a $1 icon. The campaign generated $850,000 including $260,000 from Walmart Canada's matching grants. This year's fundraising drive will add to the more than $7 million Walmart Canada has raised and contributed in funding and marketing support for the Juno Beach Centre since 2003.

As the charter corporate sponsor of the Juno Beach Centre, Walmart Canada has been part of the Juno Beach Centre from the beginning. "The Canadians who served during World War II played a vital role in ensuring the freedoms that we enjoy in Canada today," said Randy Gerrie, regional vice-president for Walmart Canada and Juno Beach Centre board member. "Walmart Canada is proud to honour Canada's veterans and to do its part to preserve the memories and lessons for future generations."

Funds raised will be used to fund two exhibit rooms at the Juno Beach Centre, the Canada Today Room, which showcases the diversity of our country in the new millennium, and a temporary exhibit room which houses a variety of ever-changing displays.

"With Remembrance Day tomorrow, Canadians will both honour our veterans and military heroes and help to preserve our history," said Garth Webb , a D-Day veteran and the current president of the Juno Beach Centre. "The Juno Beach Centre was built with support from Walmart Canada and its customers and we are extremely grateful for their generosity and continued support."

About the Juno Beach Centre

The Juno Beach Centre is a museum and education centre which opened at Courseulles-sur-Mer, France on June 6, 2003 . The Juno Beach Centre has been established in Canada as a non-profit organization. The Juno Beach landing site has been designated by the Minister of Canadian Heritage as a site of national historic significance to Canada .

About Walmart Canada

Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, the company operates a growing network of 313 outlets 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 2008, the company raised and donated more than $22 million or $423,000 weekly, to charities and organizations in need.

For further information: Felicia Fefer, Corporate Affairs, Walmart Canada, [phone], ext. 4466; Garth Webb, President, Juno Beach Centre, 1-877-828-JUNO (5866)