THUNDER BAY – Once again it’s time for Walmart and the Canadian Red Cross to team up for the annual 2012 Disaster Management Program Fundraiser. This Fundraiser runs from August 2nd until August 26th and is very important to the Disaster Management program since it raises over ninety percent of the money used to fund the program throughout the year.
During the three-week campaign, customers are invited to make a $1 donation to the Canadian Red Cross while at the check out.
Walmart will generously match customer donations, up to $2,000, at each of its stores. Since 2003, Walmart Canada has donated and raised more than $19 million to support the Canadian Red Cross. All the money raised stays in the local area to operate each branch’s Disaster Management Program running.
The money raised through Walmart’s annual fund-raising campaign will provide urgently needed help to Canadians affected by disaster. The money is used to purchase important relief items, such as blankets, food, shelter, supplies, funds the the personal disaster assistance team and ensures proper training for local volunteers. The Canadian Red Cross Disaster Management Program was accessed by thousands of Thunder Bay residents after the May 28th flood, and was used to open the Neebing Arena and LU Shelter, register over five thousand people, provide clean up kits to flood clients, issue vouchers for food and clothing as well as purchase things like the combs, shampoo, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste given to clients. In an emergency even something as small as a new comb and a toothbrush can make a big difference in boosting someone’s morale.
The campaign is also used to bring awareness to emergency preparedness and planning, volunteering for the red cross, the Walmart/Red Cross relationship and numerous other programs the Canadian Red Cross offers to the public. Today’s event featured real Disaster Management volunteers displaying information, acting as greeters and assisting with bagging items. Canadian Red Cross volunteers will be appearing at Walmart and assisting as greeters and “cashier assistants” until August 26th.
In the meantime please remember to donate your dollar to help keep the Thunder Bay Disaster Management program strong.