Walmart Commits $1 Million in Response to Typhoon Haiyan

BENTONVILLE, Ark., Nov. 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Today Walmart (NYSE: WMT) and the Walmart Foundation are committing $1 million (USD) to the Red Cross and Save the Children for emergency relief efforts in response to needs created by Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.  The donation includes funds given by the Walmart Foundation and Walmart's international operations.

In addition to the $1 million donation, Walmart is making it easy for U.S. customers and associates to make personal contributions to relief efforts by setting up online sites for donations to the Philippines through the Red Cross at http://www.redcross.org/cm/walmart-pub and http://www.redcross.org/cm/samsclub-pub.

"Giving back to our communities, especially in a time of need, is part of our culture at Walmart," said Doug McMillon, president and CEO of Walmart International. "A crisis only reinforces that commitment, and our thoughts are with the people affected by this disaster. We're proud to help the Red Cross and Save the Children get vital assistance to the Philippines as quickly as possible."

Funds donated by Walmart and the Walmart Foundation will focus on addressing immediate needs. It is a top priority of both the Red Cross and Save the Children to ensure the health and safety of those affected, particularly children. Both organizations are providing relief for immediate needs such as nutritious food, medical supplies and health care. Additionally, Save the Children will set up Child Friendly Spaces to help children cope with trauma and fear in the wake of this devastating storm.

"Thanks to the generosity of Walmart, the Red Cross is able to provide critical support to Typhoon Haiyan survivors in the Philippines now and as they rebuild and recover," said Neal Litvack, chief development officer at the American Red Cross.

"With devastation of this scale we wanted to quickly mobilize our resources to help those in need and Walmart has the ability to do that," said Kathleen Mclaughlin, president of the Walmart Foundation. "Our thoughts are with everyone who has been impacted by the devastation in the Philippines, including our customers and associates across the world who have ties to the country."

Walmart has a long history of supporting communities impacted by disasters around the world. Most recently, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation contributed cash and in-kind donations to relief efforts that included the tsunami in Japan, the tornados in Joplin and Oklahoma City, and the 2010 earthquakes in Haiti and Chile.

About Philanthropy at Walmart

Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are committed to helping people live better through philanthropic efforts. By operating globally and giving back locally, Walmart is uniquely positioned to address the needs of the communities it serves and make a significant social impact within its core areas of giving: Hunger Relief & Healthy Eating, Sustainability, Career Opportunity and Women's Economic Empowerment. Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are leading the fight against hunger in the United States with a $2 billion commitment through 2015. Walmart has donated more than 1 billion meals to those in need across the country. To learn more about Walmart's giving, visit foundation.walmart.com.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

About Save the Children 

Save the Children is the leading independent organization for children in need, with programs in 120 countries, including the United States. We aim to inspire breakthroughs in the way the world treats children, and to achieve immediate and lasting change in their lives by improving their health, education and economic opportunities. In times of acute crisis, we mobilize rapid assistance to help children recover from the effects of war, conflict and natural disasters. www.savethechildren.org

SOURCE Walmart International