With flooding predicted to worsen in various states during the coming
week, additional funds committed to support increased relief needs
BENTONVILLE, Ark.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–With rain and flooding continuing and expected to worsen across much of
the Midwest and South, and communities in Ohio, Kansas, Missouri,
Indiana, and Texas still experiencing ongoing relief needs due to the
recent outbreak of tornados, Walmart, Sam’s Club and Walmart.org have
committed to double the support provided so far this spring, bringing
the total commitment to $1 million.
The latest announcement builds on earlier commitments made in March,
early May
and last
week, providing support to states across the Midwest and South,
including Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri,
Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota and Texas. The new commitment
will provide $350,000 in cash grants to the American Red Cross,
Salvation Army, and Save The Children, and up to $150,000 in product
donations to organizations actively engaged in responding to impacted
communities. As part of this commitment, Walmart is also working closely
with local officials and government entities to help meet the needs of
those affected.
“We are grateful to all those providing relief during this historic and
prolonged severe weather, which continues to impact states across the
Midwest and South,” said Julie Gehrki, vice president, philanthropy at
Walmart. “In times like these, the efforts of our local stores and
distribution centers, as well as the non-profits, first responders,
local officials and government organizations to meet the needs of the
affected communities we serve were never more important. We want to do
our part to help.”
Walmart has a long history of providing aid in times of disasters,
helping communities prepare and recover by donating emergency supplies,
such as food and water, home and personal products. In the past two
years, for example, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation gave nearly $50
million in cash, water, food and other products to support victims of
hurricanes, wildfires and tornadoes. Additionally, during the same time
period, the company raised $44 million in donations from customers to
support hurricane relief.
“While Walmart has always helped communities in times of disaster, the
experience of Hurricane Katrina helped us realize how we best draw on
our strengths to provide relief in the aftermath of disaster,” Gehrki
said. “Since Katrina, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation have formalized
our disaster response program to quickly help those who have been hit
hardest. Walmart.org, which represents the combined philanthropic
efforts of both Walmart and the Walmart Foundation, supports efforts to
help communities build resiliency and respond more quickly and
effectively when disaster strikes.”
About Walmart
Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) helps people around the world save money and
live better – anytime and anywhere – in retail stores, online, and
through their mobile devices. Each week, over 275 million customers and
members visit our more than 11,300 stores under 58 banners in 27
countries and eCommerce websites. With fiscal year 2019 revenue of
$514.4 billion, Walmart employs over 2.2 million associates worldwide.
Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate
philanthropy and employment opportunity. Additional information about
Walmart can be found by visiting http://corporate.walmart.com,
on Facebook at http://facebook.com/walmart
and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/walmart.
About Philanthropy at Walmart
Walmart.org represents the philanthropic efforts of Walmart and the
Walmart Foundation. By leaning in where our business has unique
strengths, we work to tackle key social issues and collaborate with
others to spark long-lasting systemic change. Walmart has stores in 27
countries, employing more than 2 million associates and doing business
with thousands of suppliers who, in turn, employ millions of people.
Walmart.org is helping people live better by supporting programs that
work to accelerate upward job mobility for frontline workers, address
hunger and make healthier, more sustainably-grown food a reality, and
build strong communities where Walmart operates. To learn more, visit www.walmart.org
or find us on Twitter @walmartorg.
Contacts
Media Relations
Kevin Gardner
1-800-331-0085
news.walmart.com/reporter
