BENTONVILLE, Ark., Dec. 30, 2004 - Wal-Mart announced today the Wal-Mart & SAM’S CLUB Foundation will make an immediate $2 million contribution to the Red Cross in support of the Tsunami relief efforts. The company will also establish collection points in all of its Wal-Mart stores, supercenters, Neighborhood Markets, SAM’S CLUB and distribution locations in the U.S. Customers and associates will be able to make cash contributions at marked containers in each store or club and also online at walmart.com and samsclub.com.
In addition, to assist customers attempting to help family and friends in the affected areas, Wal-Mart has reduced the cost of wiring money via MoneyGram in its stores to individuals in the region. Wal-Mart also will allow free wire transfers for customers who send an Express Payment to the Red Cross Tsunami Fund.
Wal-Mart’s international operations in Canada, Germany and Japan (Seiyu) are also collecting funds for relief efforts at stores in their respective companies. ASDA, Wal-Mart’s operation in the United Kingdom, has announced it will make a direct financial donation to relief efforts and allow donations via its company website.
"Given the level of devastation with this disaster, it is both important and appropriate for Wal-Mart to join with other leading companies in the world to support the relief effort in a meaningful way," said Betsy Reithemeyer, vice president of corporate affairs for Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. "In addition to our corporate support, the people who work for Wal-Mart and the people who shop with us also have a long history of stepping up when people are in need. We have no doubt they will rise to the occasion here as well."
Collections will be accepted beginning today with the funds being donated to the Tsunami Relief Fund. Wal-Mart has had a successful history of contributing and raising money in its stores and clubs in this manner, including the tragedy on 9/11, the recent Florida hurricanes and past wild fires in the western U.S. Last year, customers and associates raised over $70 million for a variety of causes important to the communities where they live and work.
About Wal-Mart Stores Inc. Wal-Mart Stores Inc. operates Wal-Mart Stores, Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets and SAM’S CLUBS in all 50 states. Internationally, the company operates in Puerto Rico, Canada, China, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, United Kingdom, Argentina, and South Korea. The company’s securities are listed on the New York and Pacific stock exchanges under the symbol WMT. This year, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., will contribute more than $158 million to support communities and local nonprofit organizations.
More information about Wal-Mart can be located on-line at www.walmartstores.com and www.walmart.com. The SAM’S CLUB Web site can be accessed at www.samsclub.com. And more information about Wal-Mart’s Good Works community involvement is available online at www.walmartfoundation.org.