Walmart Canada launches fundraising campaign to support the Canadian Red Cross' Alberta Floods Appeal

MISSISSAUGA, ON, June 21, 2013 /CNW/ - Walmart Canada today announced the launch of a fundraising campaign to generate funds needed to support the Canadian Red Cross' efforts following unprecedented flooding in communities across Alberta.

Walmart Canada has set up an in-store and online fundraising campaign to help families in need across the province. Customers in Alberta are invited to make a $1 donation to the Canadian Red Cross at the checkout. Canadians across the country are invited to participate in the online fundraising campaign and can learn more at Walmart.ca, Walmartcanada.ca, Twitter and Facebook. In addition to the funds raised in-store and online, the company is committed to donating $56,000 to the Canadian Red Cross' Alberta Floods Appeal.

"Walmart Canada has been a valued corporate partner since 2003," said Tim Hoswitschka, director of national corporate relations for the Canadian Red Cross. "The funds raised through their annual in-store fundraising campaign, their donations of in-kind goods and their corporate donations allows us to continue serving Canadians. Walmart Canada remains the Red Cross' largest corporate donor and we greatly appreciate their support."

Including its annual month-long fundraiser last August, Walmart Canada raised and donated over $2.8 million to the Canadian Red Cross in 2012, and more than $21 million since 2003, to support emergency and disaster relief response. Last year alone, the Canadian Red Cross responded to 2,321 disasters and more than 46,719 people were directly assisted following various emergencies and disasters across the country.

"When disaster strikes and families are at their most vulnerable, they turn to the Canadian Red Cross for assistance with everything from lodging to food and clothing. We're proud of the work our associates and customers have done to raise funds to support these efforts," said John Lawrence, director of corporate social responsibility for Walmart Canada. "We are always standing by, ready to assist the Canadian Red Cross to ensure Canadians get the help they need when they need it the most."

Walmart Canada's support means when families or entire communities are impacted by natural disaster or other emergencies, highly trained Canadian Red Cross volunteers - drawn from a network of over 25,000 individuals - can respond immediately. The range of services includes reuniting families separated by the disaster, emotional support, and lodging. Walmart's sponsorship also helps provide the Red Cross with emergency supplies such as blankets, food, clothing, water, hygiene kits (toothbrushes, soap and other toiletries).

All Canadian Red Cross assistance is provided free of charge thanks to government funding, financial support from individuals, organizations and community-minded corporate donors such as Walmart.

About Walmart Canada
Walmart Canada operates a growing network of 380 stores, employing 95,000 Canadians, and serving more than one million customers each day. The company's vision is to demonstrate environmental leadership by reducing the ecological impact of its operations through company-wide programs focused on waste, energy and products, as well as outreach programs that preserve and enhance local environments. Visit www.walmartcsr.ca for more company information or follow Walmart Canada on Twitter at www.twitter.com/walmartcanada.

SOURCE: Walmart Canada