PORTLAND, Ore. – Oregon chapters of the American Red Cross have received a $114,757 grant from the Wal-Mart Foundation. The grant will be used to strategically pre-position disaster supplies and equipment throughout Oregon; expand the number of active, trained local volunteers; and build relationships with local community partners.
The Wal-Mart Foundation grant makes possible the purchase of seven new disaster supply trailers that will be housed in some of Oregon's most vulnerable communities. The trailers, filled with cots, blankets, comfort kits and other supplies, will be placed in Woodburn, Stayton, Silverton, Cave Junction, Sunny Valley, northern Klamath County and Harney County. This is one of 128 Red Cross projects awarded funds as part of the Wal-Mart Foundation's initiative to support disaster response and capacity building projects nationwide.
"This grant helps ensure that Oregon communities have the local expertise, supplies and partnerships to prevent and prepare for disasters," said Thomas Bruner, Regional Executive for the Red Cross in Oregon. "It will improve our ability to save lives and mobilize a quick and effective disaster response."
The Wal-Mart Foundation partnered with the American Red Cross to create a $5 million Disaster Readiness and Capacity Building Grant Program. This grant will benefit communities across the country that reside near Red Cross chapters located in remote areas that often become isolated during times of disaster and whose chartered jurisdictions serve less than one million people.
"At Wal-Mart, helping communities is what we do every day. And when a crisis strikes, that charge becomes an even greater priority," said Margaret Mckenna, president of the Wal-Mart Foundation. "Our long-standing support of the American Red Cross is evidence of our commitment to supporting local disaster relief efforts. We are hopeful that the $5 million we have given to local Red Cross chapters across the country will result in the swift, effective response to disasters, and the development of resources before disaster strikes."
The Wal-Mart Foundation stands ready to help and to work with local leaders, community organizations and elected officials in the instance of a disaster. With a long-standing commitment to supporting local disaster relief efforts, the Wal-Mart Foundation works with the American Red Cross and other organizations in an effort to help its neighbors and communities during times of need.
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About the American Red Cross in Oregon
In Oregon, the American Red Cross shelters, feeds and counsels victims of disaster every eight hours; provides more than 90 percent of the blood used by Oregon patients; teaches thousands of Oregonians lifesaving skills; provides transportation to seniors and the disabled; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization – not a government agency – and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its humanitarian mission. For more information, please visit www.oregonredcross.org or join the conversation on our award-winning blog at www.oregonredcross.org/blog.
About Philanthropy at Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) and the Wal-Mart 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 Wal-Mart Foundation supports initiatives focused on creating opportunities in education, workforce development, environmental sustainability, and health and wellness. In 2007, Walmart, Sam's Club and the Wal-Mart Foundation gave $296 million to communities across the United States. To learn more, visit www.walmartfoundation.org
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