Wal-Mart to Pitch in $2.5 Million for Gulf Coast Renovations
BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. said yesterday that the remainder of the $8.5 million raised through in-store contributions by customers and associates will be donated to 11 organizations in Louisiana communities affected by Hurricane Katrina.
The donations were collected in 3,800 Wal-Mart stores and Sam's Clubs from September through October 2005. Last fall $6 million from the original donations were provided to various relief and rebuilding efforts to assist with immediate needs in the affected areas.
"We are so proud of our associates and our customers for their generosity and compassion. These funds will touch the lives of thousands of families who have been through so much this past year," said Betsy Reithemeyer, v.p. of corporate affairs and executive director of the Wal-Mart and Sam's Club Foundation. "Wal-Mart remains committed to helping the people of the Gulf Coast region restore their lives and communities."
During a series of local events, Wal-Mart will make donations ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 to the 11 organizations. The funds will help rebuild Louisiana and provide displaced residents with shelter, food, and clothing, as well as medical attention, telephone and computer access, and grief counseling. Organizations will also be able to use some of the funds for their own grant-giving programs that support local rebuilding efforts.
The donations were collected in 3,800 Wal-Mart stores and Sam's Clubs from September through October 2005. Last fall $6 million from the original donations were provided to various relief and rebuilding efforts to assist with immediate needs in the affected areas.
"We are so proud of our associates and our customers for their generosity and compassion. These funds will touch the lives of thousands of families who have been through so much this past year," said Betsy Reithemeyer, v.p. of corporate affairs and executive director of the Wal-Mart and Sam's Club Foundation. "Wal-Mart remains committed to helping the people of the Gulf Coast region restore their lives and communities."
During a series of local events, Wal-Mart will make donations ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 to the 11 organizations. The funds will help rebuild Louisiana and provide displaced residents with shelter, food, and clothing, as well as medical attention, telephone and computer access, and grief counseling. Organizations will also be able to use some of the funds for their own grant-giving programs that support local rebuilding efforts.