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Ref: Wal-Mart partners with Red Cross in Canada for community preparedness and response

| 08.08.2007 | 05:26:465936 |
CNW

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Wal-Mart Canada opens its doors to Red Cross supporters




$1 million goal marks Wal-Mart's biggest Red Cross fundraiser yet

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Aug. 7 /CNW/ - As the largest corporate sponsor of
Canadian Red Cross, Wal-Mart Canada announced today that SAM'S CLUBs and
Wal-Mart Stores nationwide will be raising much-needed funds for Canadian Red
Cross disaster preparedness and response beginning August 9. The campaign,
which runs until September 2 in all 292 outlets coast-to-coast, is expected to
raise more than $1 million.
During the three-week campaign, customers are invited to donate a loonie
at the cash registers to support this important cause. "We're pulling our
stores, customers and Canadians together to raise awareness and much-needed
funds that will provide support in times of crisis," said Mario Pilozzi,
President and CEO of Wal-Mart Canada and a current member of the Red Cross'
CEO Coalition for Disaster Preparedness and Response. "While it's difficult to
predict when a disaster may strike, it's easy to donate a dollar knowing that
you'll be helping a fellow Canadian in their time of need."
Funds raised during this campaign stay within the local communities, and
will help to provide urgently needed relief items during disasters and beyond.
Additionally, Wal-Mart's sponsorship helps Canadian Red Cross keep stockpiles
of emergency supplies such as blankets and hygiene kits (which include
toothbrushes, soap and other toiletries). Wal-Mart, together with its
customers and suppliers, has raised and contributed a significant portion of
funding that enables Red Cross to build up its local disaster support system.
"We're very excited to work with Wal-Mart during this annual fundraising
campaign, and know that Wal-Mart shoppers will get behind Canadian Red Cross"
says Tim Hoswitschka, Director of National Corporate Relations at Canadian Red
Cross.
Since beginning its partnership in 2003, Wal-Mart Canada's Red Cross
campaigns have raised and contributed close to $6 million to help ensure that
Red Cross is ready to respond when disaster strikes. From forest fires in
British Columbia, to floods in Atlantic Canada, Red Cross is there in times of
need for Canadians whose lives are disrupted due to disaster.
Canadians wishing to support Red Cross disaster preparedness and response
are encouraged to make a financial donation by donating online at
www.redcross.ca.

About the Canadian Red Cross

The Canadian Red Cross is a member of the International Red Cross and Red
Crescent Movement, which includes the International Federation of Red Cross
and Red Crescent Societies, the International Committee of the Red Cross and
185 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Our mission is to improve
the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity in Canada
and around the world.

About Wal-Mart Canada Corp.

Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, the company operates a growing
network of 278 discount stores, eight supercentres and six SAM'S CLUBs. Every
week in Canada, Wal-Mart raises and contributes more than $290,000 to Canadian
charities. Last year alone, the company raised and donated more than
$15 million to charities across the country. For more information about the
company, Wal-Mart Canada's first Corporate Values Reporter is available at
www.walmart.ca.



For further information: or to arrange an interview: Canadian Red Cross,
Media Relations Line, (613) 740-1994; Christi Gallagher, Wal-Mart Canada,
(905) 821-2111, ext. 4042