Walmart Canada and the Walmart Foundation commit $250,000 USD to Canadian Red Cross 2026 British Columbia Wildfires Appeal

Donation will directly support people impacted in B.C.

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Sept. 4, 2026 /CNW/ -- As wildfires continue to impact communities across British Columbia this summer, Walmart Canada and the Walmart Foundation are committing $250,000 USD to the Canadian Red Cross 2026 British Columbia Wildfires Appeal to support people and communities affected by the ongoing emergency.

Canadian Red Cross

This donation builds on Walmart Canada's longstanding relationship with the Canadian Red Cross and a shared commitment to helping communities prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters. For more than 23 years, Walmart Canada, along with its associates and customers, have contributed more than $80 million to the Canadian Red Cross, making Walmart Canada the organization's largest corporate supporter.

"When disasters strike, the Red Cross is there, responding quickly and providing assistance to Canadians during some of their most difficult moments," said Sara Gugula, Chief People Officer, Walmart Canada. "As the British Columbia community continues to rally against the wildfires, we're here to support them alongside the Walmart Foundation to direct funds where they're needed the most."

"The Canadian Red Cross thanks Walmart Canada and the Walmart Foundation for this generous donation to help those impacted by the wildfires in British Columbia. These funds will assist the people and communities affected as they recover from the wildfires and build resiliency for the future," said Amy Avis, Chief of Operations, Canadian Red Cross. "This support is one of many examples of how Walmart Canada helps in times of need and the Canadian Red Cross is very appreciative of our partnership."

In Penticton, B.C., Walmart Canada associates saw the impact of the wildfires firsthand.

"When you see families displaced from their homes, you realize how important community support can be," said David Lucente, Store Manager, Penticton Walmart Supercentre in British Columbia. "I'm proud of how our associates came together to lend a hand. It means a lot to work for a company that supports Canadians when they need help most."

When evacuation orders and alerts spread across the region, people from Summerland and surrounding communities arrived at the Penticton Walmart parking lot looking for a safe place to stop. Associates quickly stepped up, providing evacuees with fresh drinking water and snacks. The store also donated requested supplies, including personal care items and cell phone chargers, supporting people displaced by the fires.

Helping communities when they need it most

As wildfires and other natural disasters continue to affect communities across Canada, support for emergency response and recovery remains critical. As part of its disaster response efforts, and in addition to ongoing financial and operational support through its longstanding partnership with the Canadian Red Cross, Walmart Canada supports communities through:

• Rapid deployment of essential supplies, food, water, and critical goods to impacted communities and first responders.
• Strategic inventory planning and freight allocation to support regions affected by wildfires and evacuations.
• Collaboration with emergency management agencies to ensure communities receive the resources they need quickly and efficiently.

The Walmart Foundation's $250,000 USD donation comes as Walmart Canada wraps up its annual giving campaign in support of the Canadian Red Cross, which raised more than $3.9 million for local disaster relief. Walmart Canada kicked off this year's campaign with a $1 million donation, with customers invited to join the effort by donating or rounding up their purchases at checkout in stores across the country. Donations to the Canadian Red Cross help provide assistance to people impacted by disasters, from meeting immediate needs during an emergency to supporting communities through longer-term recovery.

Together, the Walmart Foundation's support, Walmart Canada's annual campaign and the actions of associates in communities like Penticton are helping the Canadian Red Cross be there for Canadians when they need it most.

About Walmart Canada

Walmart Canada is a people-led, tech-powered omnichannel retailer of more than 400 stores nationwide serving 1.5 million customers each day. Walmart Canada's flagship online store, Walmart.ca is visited by more than 1.5 million customers daily. With more than 100,000 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 Canada has raised and donated more than $940 million to Canadian charities. Additional information can be found at walmartcanada.ca and on Walmart Canada's social media pages – Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn.

SOURCE Walmart Canada

For more information: Walmart Canada [email protected]