Our annual Canadian Red Cross campaign will run from August 2 to August 26 in Walmart stores from coast-to-coast and is expected to raise more than $3 million for domestic disaster relief. During the three-week campaign, customers are invited to make a $1 donation to the Canadian Red Cross at the check out.  Walmart will match customer donations, up to $2,000 at each of its stores.

“From a small house fire to widespread flooding, the Canadian Red Cross is there in times of need for Canadians whose lives are disrupted by disaster,” said Tim Hoswitschka, director of national corporate relations for the Canadian Red Cross.  “Walmart is one of the first corporations to help the Red Cross following a disaster offering in-kind goods, collecting funds, making corporate donations or offering a helping hand from its associates. Through this annual campaign, Walmart employees and customers can help ensure that the Red Cross is ready for the next call for help.”

Money raised through Walmart’s annual fundraising campaign will help provide urgently needed support to Canadians affected by disaster.  This assistance includes important relief items, such as blankets, food, shelter, and the training and equipping of local volunteers. 

Since 2003, Walmart has donated and raised over $19 million to support Red Cross disaster relief. Beyond donating funds, Walmart blankets are given to families left without homes, and thousands of donated Walmart gift cards provide families with the means to begin recovery.

Slave Lake
In May 2011, a series of wildfires devastated communities in northern Alberta, forcing the evacuation of more than 15,000 people and destroying more than 400 homes. Quickly responding, the Red Cross sent 360 volunteers and staff, providing temporary housing, food, household items and medical supplies. Since then, the Canadian Red Cross has made a two year commitment to the citizens of northern Alberta, providing work clothes, tools and school supplies, as families and towns recover and rebuild.

Montérégie
Last year’s flooding in Quebec was the worst in 150 years, causing widespread damage in 22 municipalities. This was one of the largest emergency responses in the history of the Red Cross in Québec, where 594 volunteers helped over 3,000 people by staffing reception and information centres and providing vouchers for food, clothing and emergency shelter. Today, the Canadian Red Cross continues to offer support and comfort to hundreds of families who lost so much.

The ‘Silent Disasters’
Often, smaller, personal disasters fail to make the news. On average, the Red Cross responds to a silent disaster every 4 hours. Through donations, the Red Cross is able to provide temporary housing, food, clothes and other essential supplies after a family has been affected by disaster, such as a house fire or flooding.

Partners in Humanity Award
In June 2012, the Canadian Red Cross presented Walmart Canada with the Partners in Humanity Award. This award is given to organizations that showcase their commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable people on a national and/or international level. “As a national partner of the Canadian Red Cross, we’re proud to do our part to ensure the Red Cross is ready when the time comes and equipped with the resources needed to respond when disaster strikes,” said John Lawrence, director of corporate social responsibility for Walmart Canada.

About the 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 187 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The Canadian Red Cross’ 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 chain of discount stores and supercentres with more than 330 locations nationwide employing 90,000 Canadians, serving more than one million customers each day. Walmart continues to be a leader in corporate philanthropy, sustainability and employment opportunity. Walmart Canada has one of the strongest community involvement programs. Since 1994, the company has donated and raised over $160 million to support Canadian charities and not-for-profit organizations.