Walmart Commits More Than $750,000 in Cash and In-Kind Donations to Support Brazil Flood Victims

BENTONVILLE, Ark., Feb. 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are committing more than $750,000 in cash and in-kind donations to support emergency relief efforts in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil where an estimated 827 people have been killed and thousands have been left homeless following torrential rains and mudslides. A $400,000 donation from the Walmart Foundation will help purchase critical supplies like water, food, medical supplies and long-term relief efforts.

In addition to Walmart's donation, Walmart Brazil has donated basic food and cleaning items and is leading efforts with partners and customers, assuring the logistics from donations points at several stores to the official government organizations. Also, Walmart Brazil started donation campaigns with associates to help affected communities and is working with the U.S. Embassy, suppliers and various U.S. companies to increase support and donations to flood victims. This local effort has raised nearly 100 tons of donations, with an estimated value of more than $350,000.

"Our company has a longstanding commitment to help in times of disaster. The people of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro are facing difficult times and we're here to help," said Eduardo Solorzano, President and CEO of Walmart Latinoamerica. Walmart has long been known for reaching out to the Brazilian people in times of need, including a $300,000 donation in 2008 to assist those affected by the floods in Santa Catarina. "We'll continue to monitor the situation and look for opportunities to help and ensure that essential needs are being met," added Solorzano.

Walmart currently operates 97 stores and distribution centers in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro with nearly 18,500 associates. Although there have been some reports of flooding to Walmart stores in Sao Paulo, associates have quickly worked to clean stores and parking lots in order to re-open stores the same day to serve our Brazilian customers.

About Philanthropy at Walmart

Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are proud to support the charitable causes that are important to customers and associates in their own neighborhoods. The Walmart Foundation funds initiatives focused on education, workforce development, economic opportunity, environmental sustainability, and health and wellness. From Feb. 1, 2009 through Jan. 31, 2010, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation gave more than $512 million in cash and in-kind gifts globally, $467 million of which was donated in the U.S. To learn more, visit www.walmartfoundation.org.

SOURCE Walmart