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$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.

Source:  CNW