Wal-Mart Donates More Than RMB 3 Million to Support Earthquake Relief in China

Tue May 13, 2008 11:22pm EDT
 
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BENTONVILLE, Ark., May 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Wal-Mart announced
today it is providing more than RMB 3 million (US $430,000) in disaster relief
and reconstruction for the central part of China that has been affected by the
worst earthquakes in more than 30 years. Monday's massive earthquake, with an
aftershock registering at 7.8 on the Richter scale, caused significant loss of
life and has left many others without homes and power.
    A portion of the RMB 3 million contribution will be given to the China Red
Cross for disaster relief.  In addition, assistance will be provided to help
reconstruct the devastated communities. Partnering with local communities and
authorities, Wal-Mart stores and its Trust-Mart stores in China have been
providing essential supplies and assistance to our associates, customers and
neighbors in the impacted areas -- donating water and other emergency related
products such as food, batteries and clothing, valued in the hundreds of
thousands of RMB.
    "Giving back to our communities, especially in a time of need, is part of
our culture," said Wal-Mart China President and CEO Ed Chan. "This earthquake
has brought much hardship and sorrow to Sichuan Province and surrounding areas
and we want to do our part to help those who have been affected by this
disaster."
    "Every day we strive to improve the lives of the families who live in the
communities we serve. A crisis only reinforces that commitment," said Vicente
Trius, President and CEO, Wal-Mart Asia.  "Given the impact of this earthquake
on our own communities and associates, we wanted to reach out with assistance
as soon as possible."
    Wal-Mart began its retail operations in China in 1996 when it opened a
Supercenter and Sam's Club in Shenzhen. Neighborhood Markets soon followed,
and in February 2007, Wal-Mart China invested in the hypermarket chain
Trust-Mart, which operates more than 100 retail units. In total, Wal-Mart and
Trust-Mart currently operate 205 retail outlets in China.
    About Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT)
    Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. operates Wal-Mart discount stores, Supercenters,
Neighborhood Markets and Sam's Club locations in the United States. The
Company operates in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, Costa Rica, El Salvador,
Guatemala, Honduras, Japan, Mexico, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico and the United
Kingdom. Wal-Mart serves more than 176 million customers weekly in 14 markets.
The Company's securities are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the
symbol WMT. For more information: www.walmartfacts.com.
    About Wal-Mart in China
    Wal-Mart entered the Chinese market and opened its first store in Shenzhen
in 1996. Currently Wal-Mart operates three store formats in China including
Supercenters, Sam's Clubs and Neighborhood Markets. It also holds a 35% stake
in Trust-Mart. As an outstanding corporate citizen, Wal-Mart has donated funds
and in-kind support worth more than RMB36 million to local charity and welfare
organizations over the past eleven years, and has won awards such as "Best
Employer", "Best Community Involvement", "Supplier Satisfaction Recognition"
and "Most Admired Company". For more information about Wal-Mart in China,
please visit www.wal-martchina.com.
SOURCE  Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

Kevin Gardner of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., 1-800-331-0085

 

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