Walmart Canada donates and raises record $25 million in 2009

Funds over 1 million meals for needy children

MISSISSAUGA, ON, May 12 /CNW/ - Walmart Canada contributed a record $25 million to Canadian charities in 2009, the company announced today. More than 1,000 Canadian charities and organizations in need from coast-to-coast benefited from Walmart Canada's focus on charitable giving, with support from associates, customers and suppliers.

"At Walmart Canada, corporate social responsibility is part of our DNA," said David Cheesewright, President and CEO of Walmart Canada. "We are committed to making a positive difference in the communities where we do business."

    
    2009 charitable giving highlights

    -   Breakfast Clubs of Canada - The company contributed close to
        $3 million for Breakfast Clubs of Canada to support a network of
        2,500 community-based school nutrition programs which served over
        1 million meals for needy children.

    -   Children's Miracle Network - Through events like Walmart's annual
        Walk for Miracles, the company raised and contributed a record
        $9.1 million to Children's Miracle Network to fund children's
        hospitals and research nationwide.

    -   Canadian Red Cross - Walmart Canada contributed over $5.4 million to
        support the Canadian Red Cross' disaster relief response efforts
        including $2.5 million for Haiti relief. Walmart Canada is proud to
        be the largest corporate sponsor of the Canadian Red Cross.

    -   Through Walmart's Local Matching Grant program, the company raised
        and donated $3.7 million for more than 1,000 local charities and non-
        profit organizations across Canada.
    

On Thursday, May 13, Walmart Canada stores will begin fundraising for Children's Miracle Network. Customers are invited to show their generosity at Walmart stores nationwide by purchasing a $1 Children's Miracle Network balloon icon to support the more than 2.6 million children who are cared for each year at the 14 network hospitals across Canada. Funds raised will go towards critical hospital equipment, ambulatory-care services, research, education programs and specialty services at hospitals. The campaign will conclude with the Walmart Walk for Miracles on Sunday, June 13 in 12 cities across the country.

About Walmart Canada

Walmart Canada operates a growing chain of 317 stores, serving more than one million Canadians each day. With more than 80,000 associates, the company is Canada's third-largest employer. In 2009, Walmart Canada's corporate culture was ranked among the 10 most admired corporate cultures in Canada by Waterstone Human Capital Inc.

For further information: Felicia Fefer, Manager of Public Relations for Walmart Canada, at [phone], ext 4466