Aspiration
Empower Walmart associates to support local charitable organizations.
In many markets, Walmart provides grants to local community organizations. In 2014, Walmart facilities in the U.S. and Puerto Rico made more than 46,000 grants to community organizations, totaling more than $47 million. In addition, the Walmart Foundation awarded $37 million to organizations addressing hunger, workforce development, veterans programs and many other causes through the State Giving Program, based on recommendations of committees of Walmart associates in each state.
Community Grant Program
Blouses, jeans, shoes, pictures, furniture, a home and a sense of security − these are all things that LaKisha Bowman, a Walmart associate in Garland, Texas, for 14 years, lost when the home she was renting went up in flames in 2009. “Associates were coming to me and saying, ‘I think your house is on fire,’” she said. Her home was within walking distance of the store, and the sound of fire truck sirens was unmistakably close.
Supporting CMN Hospitals
Walmart and its associates in the U.S., Puerto Rico and Canada and Sam’s Club are longtime supporters of Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) Hospitals. In addition to the annual CMN Hospitals campaign — which collects donations from associates and customers at store registers — many associates also volunteer their time sewing newborn hats, hosting carnivals for patients and making personal contributions. Since 1987, our customers and associates have worked to help raise more than $750 million, which has contributed to critical improvements in children’s health care.
Soon after birth, Belle was diagnosed with a serious kidney disorder. When she was five, her kidneys began to fail and dialysis was administered. Belle’s mother, Michelle, was to donate her kidney, pending a full-body examination. Doctors discovered just in time that Michelle had two malignant breast tumors, and intense radiation and chemotherapy led to remission. Belle’s father, Kyle, stepped in as the donor, and today the entire family is thriving.
“It’s difficult to put into words how much the support of these dedicated men and women means to the kids and their families our hospitals treat,” said John Lauck, president and CEO, CMN Hospitals. “I’ve been able to meet many associates who passionately do all they can to help kids when they need it most.”
Africa
Since 2011, Massmart’s Builders Warehouse has worked with Ripples for Good to help maintain 205 schools and Early Childhood Development (ECD) centers around South Africa. Makro provided funding to HOPE Worldwide to help support 41 ECD centers in disadvantaged communities. In 2014, the project directly benefited 3,274 children below the age of five.
U.K.
As part of the Community Life program, Asda stores have dedicated colleagues working to improve their area by supporting local charities and volunteering. In 2014, colleagues raised more than $13.3 million and volunteered 148,332 hours. The program helps to tackle the social issues that matter most to each community, which helps support the long-term sustainability and success of the area, our customers and colleagues.
