Wal-Mart Commits $500,000 to Support Flood Relief EffortsRetailer partners with American Red Cross and The Salvation Army to Provide Aid to those Affected in Five States Bentonville, Ark., June 11, 2008 – Responding to the flash-floods that have swept through the Midwestern region of the United States, Wal-Mart announces today a $500,000 commitment to assist with relief efforts. The retailer’s commitment – a combination of both cash and merchandise donations – will provide much needed support to those affected throughout Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska and Wisconsin. “At Wal-Mart, we work hard to provide support to the communities we serve when they need it most,” said Margaret McKenna, president of the Wal-Mart Foundation. “Given the magnitude and the devastation caused by these recent floods, it is important that we step-up our relief efforts and help those who have been affected.” Longtime Wal-Mart partners in the area of disaster response, the American Red Cross and The Salvation Army, will each receive a portion of the commitment. Currently, Wal-Mart is working with both organizations to provide food, water and other life-sustaining products to all who have been affected by the floods. “We are very appreciative of Wal-Mart’s contribution to the Red Cross, which will help us provide much needed relief to those in need,” said Jeffrey T. Towers, chief development officer for the American Red Cross. “It’s through the generous support of corporations such as Wal-Mart that we are able to assist all of our community members in the midst of natural disasters.” “Wal-Mart’s contribution to The Salvation Army in this time of need is just another example of the generous support they have provided us with throughout the years,” said Major George Hood, chief communications officer for The Salvation Army. “This donation furthers our ability to provide long-term care and comfort to the individuals and families who have lost so much following these floods, something that is greatly appreciated.” Wal-Mart has long been recognized as a corporate leader in the area of disaster relief. The company in 2005 helped the victims of Hurricane Katrina by donating more than $32 million in cash to aid emergency relief efforts, which included $2 million in contributions to the Red Cross. Last year, Wal-Mart provided more than $2 million in disaster relief funds to assist with everything from floods and tornadoes to wildfires and winter storms nationwide. Long-standing partnerships with the Red Cross and The Salvation Army have made many of these efforts possible. About Philanthropy at Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. About Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) |
