I'm usually not a fan of Wal-Mart, but this announcement changes that:
BENTONVILLE, Ark., Sept. 1 - Following President Bush's announcement today that former Presidents Bush and Clinton will lead a nationwide fundraising effort to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina, Wal-Mart President and CEO Lee Scott contacted President Clinton and the White House and committed $15 million from Wal-Mart to jump-start the effort.
As part of this commitment, Wal-Mart will establish mini-Wal-Mart stores in areas impacted by the hurricane. Items such as clothing, diapers, baby wipes, food, formula, toothbrushes, bedding and water will be given out free of charge to those with a demonstrated need.
Wal-Mart previously donated $2 million in cash to aid emergency relief efforts and has been collecting contributions at its 3,800 stores and CLUBS, and through its web sites www.walmartfacts.com, www.walmart.com, www.walmartfoundation.org, www.walmartstores.com and www.samsclub.com.
Through its Associate Disaster Relief Fund, the company will also give displaced associates immediate funds for shelter, food, clothing and other necessities.
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. operates Wal-Mart Stores, Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets and SAM'S CLUBS in all fifty states. Internationally, the company operates in Puerto Rico, Canada, China, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, United Kingdom, Argentina and South Korea. The company's securities are listed on the New York and Pacific stock exchanges under the symbol WMT.
Remember, you can give too, at www.RedCross.org.
The Gulf Coast needs our prayers and financial support.
-aB
1 comment:
I think it's a wise move by Wal-Mart, and I get the feeling that they're doing it for the right reasons. I do know that they are putting pressure on their suppliers to make similar donations either thru free product for Wal-Mart to distribute or through their own channels.
I heard this morning that Wal-Mart's contribution has swelled to over $22 million. Amazing. I don't know whether this includes the donations of suppliers, donations made by consumers through WalMart.com or the employee matching programs they put in place. Either way, it's quite impressive.
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