Walmart Canada and Children's Miracle Network come together in support of children's hospitals across Canada

Starting today, customers are encouraged to donate $1 and show support for their local children's hospital

MISSISSAUGA, ON, May 13, 2013 /CNW/ - Walmart Canada today announced its stores across the country are raising funds to support Children's Miracle Network and the important work it does helping children's hospital across Canada. The annual campaign, which runs from May 13 to June 9 in Walmart stores from coast-to-coast, is expected to raise millions of dollars.

During the four-week campaign, customers are invited to make a $1 donation to Children's Miracle Network at the checkout. Walmart will generously match customer donations, up to $2,000 at each of its stores. Since 1994, Walmart Canada has raised and donated more than $76 million to Children's Miracle Network.

"At Walmart Canada, we believe in helping families in need in the many communities across Canada where we operate our stores. Our customers and associates across the country do a fantastic job raising funds to help support Children's Miracle Network and the important work they do," said Jim Thompson, chief operations officer for Walmart Canada. "Each miracle balloon purchased at our stores goes a long way to helping save lives, fund innovative research and support much-needed educational programs."

This year marks the 10^th anniversary of the Walk for Miracles presented by Walmart. The Walk for Miracles will be held Sunday, June 9 at 12 walk sites across Canada. Customers are invited to go to www.walmartwalkformiracles.ca for more details. Last year's walk and walk-related events raised more than $6.2 million for Children's Miracle Network member hospitals and drew more than 15,000 participants from coast-to-coast.

"For almost 20 years, Walmart Canada has been a valued corporate partner," said John Hartman, chief operating officer, Children's Miracle Network Canada. "The generous support of their customers, associates and vendors has allowed us to create countless miracles, $1 at a time."

Every day, 4,900 children will go through the doors of a children's hospital in Canada. Money raised through this national campaign will help ensure excellence in health care for more than 2.6 million Canadian children, by supporting life-saving medical care, ground-breaking research, and educational programs designed to treat the sickest children in communities across Canada.

Walmart Canada is the largest corporate sponsor of Children's Miracle Network, raising funds and awareness through its annual miracle balloon campaign, in-store events, vendor promotions, and its signature fundraising event, the annual Walk for Miracles presented by Walmart.

About Walmart Canada
Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, Walmart Canada operates a growing network of more than 370 stores and one of the strongest community giving 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 $22.8 million or $435,000 weekly, 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.

About Children's Miracle Network
Children's Miracle Network® Canada raises funds for 14 children's hospitals 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

SOURCE: Walmart Canada