· Walmart’s Toy Academy Days invite Canadians to help spread some Holiday Magic: for each toy purchased over $20 in-store on December 1 and 2, Walmart will donate $1 to Children’s Miracle Network
Mississauga, ON, November 28, 2018 – What are the holidays without sharing joy with children? While many kids are already looking forward to racing down to see what Santa left under their tree, it’s a perfect time to remember the kids – and their families – who spend the holidays receiving exceptional care from Children’s Miracle Network member hospitals. Walmart’s Toy Academy Days celebrate the magical therapy that a toy can bring to a child in hospital. For every toy over $20 that Canadians purchase in-store on December 1 and 2, Walmart will donate $1 to Children’s Miracle Network, up to a maximum of $150,000. Canadians are invited to any one of the more than 400 stores across Canada to purchase toys on those days and to make additional donations as well.
“Walmart has supported Children’s Miracle Network since 1994 and, as we head into the 25th year of our partnership, we wanted to take a moment during the holidays to do a little extra,” said Maria Garofalo, senior director of toys and Walmart Canada’s Chief Toy Officer. “Toy Academy Days celebrate the joy and magic that toys bring to children and, since many of us are buying toys this time of year, this felt like a natural fit.”
Be Inspired by the Top Toys of 2018:
Walmart offers a huge assortment of 2018’s must-have toys, including Walmart’s Toy Academy Top Toys lists, which use trends and reviews to give Canadians the inside scoop. Lists include: top 25 toys of 2018, top toys under $50, as well as the best STEM toys, top preschooler picks, stocking stuffers and much more. Browse the lists online at walmart.ca/toyacademy for inspiration and check out the huge selection in-store.
Teddy Returns to Bring Some Holiday Magic to Kids:
The teddy bear star of Walmart’s holiday ad will be making his return. Recognizing the popularity of the plush toy, Walmart has managed to secure more bears and will be sharing them with kids who need to believe in holiday magic the most. Details to come over the next week!
Good in Action:
This year, Walmart has already raised and donated $10.8 million for Children’s Miracle Network in Canada. Since the partnership began nearly 25 years ago, Walmart Canada has raised and donated $128 million. Walmart is a top corporate sponsor of Children’s Miracle Network and the partnership has the full support of all 85,000 Canadian associates, whether selling balloons at the cash registers during the regular May campaign or hosting a BBQ.
About Walmart Canada Community Giving:
Walmart Canada’s community giving program aims to strengthen ties to the communities where Walmart operates, with philanthropic initiatives designed to have a national scope and local impact.
Walmart works with four national charity partners: Children’s Miracle Network to provide the best in-hospital care for sick children, Breakfast Club of Canada to help children start their day with a healthy breakfast, Food Banks Canada to help Canadians living with hunger and the Canadian Red Cross to provide consistent, dependable funding so that, when disaster strikes, the Red Cross has the funds to act immediately.
On average, Walmart Canada raises and donates more than $600,000 each week.
About Walmart Canada
Walmart Canada operates a chain of 411 stores nationwide serving more than 1.2 million customers each day. Walmart Canada's flagship online store, www.walmart.ca, is visited by 750,000 customers daily. With more than 85,000 associates, Walmart Canada is one of Canada's largest employers and is ranked one of the country's top 10 most influential brands. Walmart Canada's extensive philanthropy program is focused on supporting Canadian families in need, and since 1994 Walmart has raised and donated more than $300 million to Canadian charities. Additional information can be found at walmartcanada.ca, facebook.com/walmartcanada and at twitter.com/walmartcanada.
