BENTONVILLE, Ark., Feb. 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- In response to the tragic earthquake in Chile, Walmart today announced an initial commitment of $1 million to go toward emergency relief efforts throughout the country.
An earthquake of magnitude 8.8 struck early Saturday morning, resulting in heavy damage throughout central Chile, including the capital city of Santiago.
"With the impact of this earthquake on our own communities, customers, associates and suppliers, we wanted to reach out with assistance as soon as possible," said Eduardo Solorzano, president and CEO of Walmart Latin America, and vice chairman of D&S, Walmart's retail operation in Chile. "Our operations in Chile are actively engaged in providing assistance on the ground, and we're continuing to monitor the situation and look for additional ways that we can help with relief efforts."
Walmart acquired D&S, Chile's leading food retailer, in January 2009. D&S currently has more than 34,000 associates and operates 255 stores throughout the country.
"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 those affected by this disaster."
Walmart has long been recognized as a corporate leader around the globe in the area of disaster relief. Most recently, Walmart supported earthquake relief efforts in Haiti, with cash and in-kind donations currently at more than $1 million. In addition, Walmart associates and customers globally have contributed more than $3 million to date for that relief effort.
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. Through its philanthropic programs and partnerships, the Walmart Foundation funds initiatives focused on creating opportunities in education, workforce development, economic opportunity, environmental sustainability, and health and wellness. From February 1, 2008 through January 31, 2009, Walmart - and its domestic and international foundations - gave more than $423 million in cash and in-kind gifts globally. To learn more, visit http://www.walmartfoundation.org/.
Ed. Note: Walmart is the legal trade name of the corporation. The name "Walmart," expressed as one word and without punctuation, is a trademark of the company and is used analogously to describe the company and its stores. Use the trade name when it is necessary to identify the legal entity, such as when reporting financial results, litigation or corporate governance.
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CONTACT: Kevin Gardner, Walmart, +1-479-273-4314
Web Site: http://www.walmartfoundation.org/
