Health & Beauty Close-Up

July 1, 2009 Wednesday

307 words

Wal-Mart Raises $15 Million for Children's Miracle Network

Children's Miracle Network, an international non-profit that raises funds for 170 children's hospitals in the United States, announced the results of a fundraising campaign with its partner, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

In a release, the group noted that between May 1 - June 14, the company's associates, customers and members set out to demonstrate their long-standing commitment to supporting Children's Miracle Network hospitals and raised $15 million.

During the six-week campaign, Walmart and Sam's Club associates, customers and members were invited to make a donation to their local Children's Miracle Network hospital at the register. Additional in-store fundraisers were held to bolster fundraising efforts.

For the first time, a "virtual balloon" allowed customers to make a $1, $2, $5 donation, or a donation in an open amount, upon checkout. The change from paper balloons to the virtual balloon model supports Wal-Mart's core value of sustainability, according to Margaret McKenna, president of the Wal-Mart Foundation.

"By partnering with Children's Miracle Network, Walmart and Sam's Club are infusing millions of dollars annually into the nation's premier children's hospitals," said Scott Burt, president and CEO of Children's Miracle Network. "These resources give families the chance to live better by funding the research, equipment and care critical to the treatment of every injury and pediatric illness imaginable."

"Our annual fundraising campaign allows for customers to donate directly to their local Children's Miracle Network hospital, providing much-needed funding to sick and injured children," said McKenna. "We are proud of our associates who have embraced Children's Miracle Network as an important cause, and stepped up their efforts to raise $15 million."

((Comments on this story may be sent to health@closeupmedia.com))

July 2, 2009