Funds will support emergency relief efforts throughout the Philippines
INDIACSR News Network
Hong Kong: Today Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are committing $1 million (USD) to the Red Cross and Save the Children for emergency relief efforts in response to needs created by Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. The donation includes funds given by the Walmart Foundation and Walmart’s international operations including the Asia region.
In addition to the $1 million donation, Walmart is making it easy for U.S. customers and associates to make personal contributions to relief efforts by setting up online sites for donations to the Philippines through the Red Cross at http://www.redcross.org/cm/walmart-puband http://www.redcross.org/cm/samsclub-pub.
“Giving back to our communities, especially in a time of need, is part of our culture at Walmart,” said Doug McMillon, president and CEO of Walmart International. “A crisis only reinforces that commitment, and our thoughts are with the people affected by this disaster. We’re proud to help the Red Cross and Save the Children get vital assistance to the Philippines as quickly as possible.”
Funds donated by Walmart and the Walmart Foundation will focus on addressing immediate needs. It is a top priority of both the Red Cross and Save the Children to ensure the health and safety of those affected, particularly children.
Commented Scott Price, President and CEO, Walmart Asia: “The Philippines is one of our sourcing markets. We are committed to doing our best to support the community during this difficult time. Both the Red Cross and Save the Children are providing relief for immediate needs such as nutritious food, medical supplies and health care. Additionally, Save the Children will set up Child Friendly Spaces to help children cope with trauma and fear in the wake of this devastating storm.”
“Thanks to the generosity of Walmart, the Red Cross is able to provide critical support to Typhoon Haiyan survivors in the Philippines now and as they rebuild and recover,” said Neal Litvack, chief development officer at the American Red Cross.
“With devastation of this scale we wanted to quickly mobilize our resources to help those in need and Walmart has the ability to do that,” said Kathleen Mclaughlin, president of the Walmart Foundation. “Our thoughts are with everyone who has been impacted by the devastation in the Philippines, including our customers and associates across the world who have ties to the country.”
Walmart has a long history of supporting communities impacted by disasters around the world. Most recently, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation contributed cash and in-kind donations to relief efforts that included the tsunami in Japan, the tornados in Joplin and Oklahoma City, and the 2010 earthquakes in Haiti and Chile.
Philanthropy at Walmart
Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are committed to helping people live better through philanthropic efforts. By operating globally and giving back locally, Walmart is uniquely positioned to address the needs of the communities it serves and make a significant social impact within its core areas of giving: Hunger Relief & Healthy Eating, Sustainability, Career Opportunity and Women’s Economic Empowerment. Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are leading the fight against hunger in the United States with a $2 billion commitment through 2015. Walmart has donated more than 1 billion meals to those in need across the country.
