Published 05-09-00
Submitted by Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (NYSE: WMT) raised and contributed nearly $47 million for local communities in the first quarter of 2000, which ended April 30. Wal-Mart associates and customers of more than 3,000 locations nationwide helped raise these funds through the community involvement activities directed by the Wal-Mart / SAM'S Club Foundation, the charitable arm of the company.
The Wal-Mart / SAM'S Club Foundation ranks among the top five corporate foundations by giving, according to The Foundation Center, an organization that seeks to foster public understanding of philanthropic organizations. Wal-Mart empowers its associates to serve the needs of their communities through its "Good Works" initiative. Last year, associates of the company's more than 3,000 Wal-Mart stores, SAM'S Clubs and distribution centers raised and donated more than $163 million to charitable organizations nationwide.
"Wal-Mart is committed to grass roots support and fundraising that benefits local community organizations where they need it most - at the local level," said Don Soderquist, senior vice chairman of Wal-Mart Stores Inc. "Our associates know which organizations are the most important in their hometowns, and we empower them to determine how the Wal-Mart / SAM'S Club Foundation will contribute locally."
First quarter highlights for the Wal-Mart / SAM'S Club Foundation include:
$14.7 million for children's hospitals to treat local children.
$9 million in community matching grants to local organizations that partner with their stores or clubs to host fundraisers.
$8.4 million in scholarships to more than 3,000 students pursuing college degrees.
$4.6 million raised for the National World War II Memorial.
$1.5 million in education grants to 3,000 Teachers of the Year for use in their schools.
$1.6 million to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America to grant children's wishes.
$300,000 to the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), of which $150,000 is earmarked for the Youth Entrepreneurial Institute, which empowers African-American young people to learn the skills required to become successful business owners.
$10,000 to the Mexican American Legal Defense & Education Fund to support the group's efforts to ensure maximum participation in the 2000 U.S. Census by the nation's Hispanic population.
$46,000 to the Youth Stand Up! Against Violence Rally April 20 that addressed the national issue of youth violence in schools.
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. empowers its associates to serve the needs of their communities through its "Good Works" initiative. Last year, associates of the company's more than 3,000 Wal-Mart stores, SAM'S Clubs and distribution centers raised and donated more than $163 million to charitable organizations nationwide. In addition, Wal-Mart and SAM'S Club employ a number of programs that encourage children's health and safety, education and community-minded awareness. For more information about Wal-Mart's Good Works efforts, visit www.walmartfoundation.org.
Wal-Mart / SAM'S Club Foundation Twenty Years of Giving
In 1999, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. raised and contributed more than $163 million for local charities nationwide, returning more than $3 million weekly to local communities.
Wal-Mart is a leading supporter of children's health in the United States. The company raised and contributed $29 million to local children's hospitals in 1999 through the Children's Miracle Network, and has contributed $160 million to local children's hospitals since 1987.
Wal-Mart provided more than $64 million in matching grants during 1999 to 40,000 local non- profit organizations that held fundraisers at Wal-Mart stores and SAM'S Clubs.
Wal-Mart and its associates have contributed $114 million to the United Way since 1983.
Wal-Mart allocates more than $3 million annually to industrial funding to enhance community growth and development through job creation and industrial recruiting.
Wal-Mart's support of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children has helped the organization recover hundreds of missing children. As a direct result of the Missing Children's Boards located inside each Wal-Mart and SAM'S Club, 37 children have been returned to their homes.
Wal-Mart is one of the leading supporters of education in the United States. Last year, Wal- Mart invested $8.4 million in individual college scholarship programs, providing funds for its own associates, local communities and minority students.
Wal-Mart Stores, 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, more than 200 million customers and members visit our 10,700 stores under 69 banners in 27 countries and e-commerce websites in 10 countries. With fiscal year 2013 sales of approximately $466 billion, Walmart employs more than 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 corporate.walmart.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/walmart and on Twitter at twitter.com/walmartgreen. Online merchandise sales are available at www.walmart.com and www.samsclub.com.
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