Walmart Canada raises a record $6.2 million for Canada's children's hospitals

• North Bay, Ontario raised the most with a total of 75,158.59
• Walmart Canada has now surpassed $160 million raised and donated for Canadian charities
• Associates walked a combined 75,000 km, the equivalent of walking from Vancouver to St. John's 10 times

MISSISSAUGA, ON, July 12, 2012 /CNW/ - Walmart Canada announced today its recent Children's Miracle Network campaign raised a record $6.2 million to support Canada's children's healthcare.  Children's Miracle Network supports 12 children's hospitals and foundations across Canada.

Thanks to generous donations, Children's Miracle Network can continue to support the 2.6 million children who receive care at Canada's children's hospitals each year for afflictions such as cancer, heart disease, birth defects, cerebral palsy, AIDS and injuries that result from accidents.

"With the support of Walmart, we are changing the landscape of pediatric healthcare," said John Hartman, Chief Operating Officer, Children's Miracle Network Canada. "Through various campaigns, Walmart funds critical research, supports the purchase of life-saving equipment and provides excellence in care all in support of Children's Miracle Network's mission to improve the lives of as many children as possible. We're very grateful to Walmart."

From May 10 to June 10, customers showed their generosity by purchasing a $1 Children's Miracle Network balloon icon at the company's 333 stores.  To support the campaign, Walmart Canada also contributed corporate matching grants to all stores.  The campaign concluded with Walmart Canada's signature event, the Walmart Walk for Miracles.

On Sunday, June 10, thousands of participants took part in the 2012 Walmart Walk. The ninth annual Walmart Walk for Miracles was held consecutively in 12 cities from coast-to-coast, including: Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, London, Hamilton, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Halifax and St. John's.

"Walmart Canada remains committed to helping families in need. We are proud to partner with Children's Miracle Network to support some of the best children's hospitals in the world right here in Canada," said Shelley Broader, president and CEO, Walmart Canada. "This year's record-breaking campaign shows just how much our associates and customers care about Canada's kids."

Through events like this, Walmart Canada has become the number-one supporter of Children's Miracle Network raising funds and awareness through its annual miracle balloon campaign, in-store events, vendor promotions and the Walmart Walk for Miracles.  Since 1994, Walmart Canada has contributed more than $70 million to Children's Miracle Network.

About Walmart Canada

Walmart Canada operates a growing network of more than 330 stores and one of the strongest community involvement programs in Canada with a focus on supporting families in need. Walmart Canada gives back to local communities in ways that matter most to its customers and associates. In 2011, the company donated and raised more than $25.3 million or $485,000 weekly, to charities and organizations in need. Visit walmartcsr.ca for more company information or follow Walmart Canada on Twitter @walmartcanada.

Please contact Walmart Canada Corporate Affairs at  [email protected].