SALT LAKE CITY (July 2, 2013) – Walmart and Sam's Club associates, customers and members recently wrapped up a six-week campaign to raise funds for local Children's Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN Hospitals). Accepting donations at cash registers and through other in-store fundraising activities, store associates have collected more than $40 million, one dollar at a time. CMN Hospitals is the national nonprofit that raises funds and awareness for 170 local children's hospitals.
"The spirit of support our local hospitals receive from Walmart and Sam's Club associates is incredible," said John Lauck, Children's Miracle Network Hospitals CEO. "The generosity of the stores' customers is inspiring and is making a real difference to the families of the more than 10 million kids treated by Children's Miracle Network Hospitals each year."
Walmart and Sam's Club funds impact each of the 170 Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, which treat 1 in 10 children across North America. Hospitals use the funds however they need them the most—typically for purchasing lifesaving equipment, supporting top therapy programs and providing charitable care. In 2012 alone, Children's Miracle Network Hospitals members reported providing $6,500 every minute in charitable, uncompensated care to patients.
This year's campaign is the most recent in annual fundraising by the retailers, as Walmart and Sam's Club have raised more than $690 million since partnering with the charity in 1987. The stores' campaign was recently ranked number one in in-store, U.S. fundraising by the Cause Marketing Forum.
Lauck noted Walmart associates are the heart of the campaign because they are passionate about helping their local Children's Miracle Network Hospital. "The dedication of store associates never ceases to amaze me," said Lauck. "Our team is constantly hearing stories of incredible associates who go above and beyond to help kids in their community. They set a great example that each of us can do something to help save and improve kids' lives."
Children's Miracle Network Hospitals often have the Walmart and Sam's Club campaign funds targeted for specific needs. For example, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta is using donations for Pediatric Cardiology Services to help fund research for better outcomes of pediatric heart issues, cardiac technology advancements including improved pacemakers, heart stimulators and new medicines for children suffering from life-threatening heart conditions.
At Arkansas Children's Hospital, Walmart and Sam's Club funds are being used to purchase new high-tech Sikorsky Helicopters as part of the hospital's award-winning Angel One Transport program that quickly delivers children to the hospital after a critical accident or health issue.
The retailers' six-week official campaign was from May 7 – June 21. Walmart and Sam's Club 2013 fundraising will continue throughout the year at participating locations through other in-store activities.
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 Children's Miracle Network Hospitals
Children's Miracle Network Hospitals¨ raises funds and awareness for 170 children's hospitals across the United States and Canada, which, in turn, use the money where it's needed the most. When a donation is given it stays in the community, helping local kids. Since 1983, Children's Miracle Network Hospitals has raised more than $4.7 billion, most of it $1 at a time. These donations have gone to support research and training, purchase equipment, and pay for uncompensated care, all in support of the mission to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible. Learn more at www.CMNHospitals.org .
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