Walmart Canada and the Walmart Foundation make immediate $500,000 commitment to relief efforts in Fort McMurray

• Contribution includes commitment to the Canadian Red Cross and support for local associates
• Walmart Canada opens its tills in Alberta for donations to the Canadian Red Cross
• Walmart Canada trucks filled with emergency supplies are on standby to support Canadian Red Cross relief efforts

MISSISSAUGA, ON, May 5, 2016 /CNW/ - Walmart Canada and the Walmart Foundation have committed $500,000 to support the relief efforts in the Fort McMurray community, including a donation to the Canadian Red Cross and support by Walmart Canada for local associates. In addition, Walmart Canada has activated a campaign to support the Canadian Red Cross' efforts to provide relief to those affected by the Fort McMurray wildfires. Customers can make donations to the Canadian Red Cross at all Walmart stores in Alberta.

"We are deeply saddened by the devastating fires in Fort McMurray and the catastrophic effect it is having on our associates and members of the community," said, Dirk Van den Berghe, president and CEO, Walmart Canada. "We are fully committed to the relief efforts through our work with the Red Cross and have offered them our full support at this time."

At this time, Walmart Canada is confirming the whereabouts and safety of its associates in the region and is providing support to all of those affected by the fires. Walmart Canada is collaborating with the Canadian Red Cross to provide immediate support to the community and families in need across the region. Walmart Canada trucks full of emergency supplies, including hygiene items and water are also on standby and ready to be deployed by the Canadian Red Cross.

"The global Walmart family stands with the people of Alberta and Fort McMurray," said Kathleen McLaughlin, President of Walmart Foundation." We hope our support will help the community and our associates during this challenging time."

About Philanthropy at Walmart
By using our strengths to help others, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation create opportunities for people to live better every day. We have stores in 28 countries, employing more than 2.2 million associates and doing business with thousands of suppliers who, in turn, employ millions of people. We are helping people live better by accelerating upward job mobility and economic development for the retail workforce; addressing hunger and making healthier, more sustainably-grown food a reality; and building strong communities where we operate and inspiring our associates to give back. Whether it is helping to lead the fight against hunger in the United States with $2 billion in cash and in-kind donations or supporting Women's Economic Empowerment through a series of grants totaling $10 million to the Women in Factories training program in Bangladesh, China, India and Central America, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are not only working to tackle key social issues, we are also collaborating with others to inspire solutions for long-lasting systemic change. To learn more about Walmart's giving, visit www.giving.walmart.com.

About Walmart Canada
Walmart Canada operates a growing chain of more than 400 stores nationwide serving more than 1.2 million customers each day. Walmart Canada's flagship online store, walmart.ca is visited by 600,000 customers daily. With more than 95,000 associates, Walmart Canada is one of Canada's largest employers and is ranked one of the country's top 10 most influential brands. Walmart is committed to generating zero waste, being supplied by 100 per cent renewable energy and offering customers products that are produced responsibly. Walmart Canada's extensive philanthropy program is focused on supporting Canadian families in need, and since 1994 Walmart has raised and donated more than $250 million to Canadian charities. Additional information can be found at walmartcanada.ca.

SOURCE Walmart Canada

For further information: Anika Malik, [email protected], 416.562.8193, Corporate Affairs, Walmart Canada; Alex Roberton, alex.rober[email protected], 514.210.7514, Corporate Affairs, Walmart Canada