Wal-Mart Supports Communities Around the Globe With $423 Million in Charitable Contributions

    Company and its domestic and international Foundations increased
donations to charities by more than 25 percent over last year; anticipates
1.5 million hours of U.S. associate volunteerism this year

    BENTONVILLE, Ark., April 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- While the economic
crisis continues to impact communities around the globe, Wal-Mart's
long-term commitment to giving back locally has made the company - and its
domestic and international Foundations - trusted sources of funding for
much-needed community programs, especially those that address hunger,
homelessness, education, job training and other basic needs.* The company
today announced that it stepped up charitable giving globally from February
1, 2008 through January 31, 2009 (FYE 2009) with more than $423 million in
cash and in-kind gifts, an $85.6 million increase over its global giving in
the previous year.

    "Now more than ever, our customers, our associates and countless
charitable organizations in communities around the globe are looking to
Wal-Mart to support those hit hardest by the financial crisis. But, we must
all work together to make a difference," said Margaret McKenna, president
of the Wal-Mart Foundation. "During these tough economic times, we know we
have a responsibility to continually look for ways to increase our giving
and focus our local contributions towards organizations that can do the
most good - and have a lasting, positive impact in communities around the
globe."

    Wal-Mart's FYE 2009 giving breakdown:



    --  In the U.S., Wal-Mart gave more than $378 million in cash and in-kind
        gifts, up from $296 million in 2007.
    --  In international markets, Wal-Mart gave $45.5 million in cash and
        in-kind gifts, up from $41 million in 2007.
    --  Globally, Wal-Mart's customers and associates gave more than $106
        million through in-store giving programs that benefit local charities.

    --  In total, Wal-Mart, its Foundations, its customers and its associates
        supported communities around the globe with nearly $530 million in
        charitable contributions during FYE 2009.
    In the U.S., Wal-Mart is standing shoulder-to-shoulder with those on
Main Street who have turned to organizations like Feeding America to make
ends meet. For example, Wal-Mart's food donation program has provided more
than 33 million pounds of fresh produce, meat and other nutritious foods to
U.S. food banks. These in-kind contributions have an estimated value of
more than $85 million. Walmart stores and Sam's Club locations remain on
track to donate 90 million pounds of food by November 2009.

    In addition, Walmart and Sam's Club associates in the U.S. donated more
than one million volunteer hours last fiscal year, evidence of the
company's on-going efforts to encourage community service. Recently, the
company expanded its volunteerism program through mywalmart.com, a new Web
site designed to help associates connect with one another, get involved in
their communities and find local volunteer opportunities. The Wal-Mart
Foundation also continues its Volunteerism Always Pays program, which
awards grant dollars to qualifying organizations in recognition of
associate volunteer hours. The company anticipates that associates will log
1.5 million volunteer hours this fiscal year.

    "More and more nonprofits are struggling to meet their operating
expenses and, as a result, are likely to cut staff," said Professor Andrew
Hahn, director of the Sillerman Center for the Advancement of Philanthropy
at Brandeis University. "Ultimately this translates into very difficult
times for the people served by nonprofits. Wal-Mart associates and
customers can continue filling gaps by volunteering in their local
communities - there are ways to give back, especially with your time and
skills, that don't involve writing a check. Help comes in many forms."

    While Wal-Mart is increasing efforts to help address changing community
needs, it continues to support U.S. initiatives focused on education,
workforce development, economic opportunity, environmental sustainability,
and health and wellness - all of which have historically been focus areas
for the company and its U.S. Foundation. Last year, Wal-Mart and the
Wal-Mart Foundation gave $248 million in those areas to numerous national
and local charities including the Institute for Higher Education Policy
($4.1 million), YouthBuild ($5 million), Children's Miracle Network ($4.7
million), The Salvation Army ($3 million), Special Olympics ($3.6 million),
the National Urban League ($1 million) and the National Fish and Wildlife
Foundation ($3.4 million). Wal-Mart also continues to support disaster
relief efforts and programs for military families.

    For a state-by-state breakdown of giving, or more information about the
Wal-Mart Foundation, visit http://www.walmartfoundation.org.
PRNEWSWIRE