Local Wal-Mart recognised for work on annual kids campaign

Photo provided

The North Bay Wal-Mart was recognised for raising almost $50,000 in miracle balloon sales for the 2009 Children’s Miracle Network campaign Tuesday.

Officials say each year stores and their associates across Canada reach out to their communities by selling the paper balloons and conducting in-store fundraising campaigns for one month to support their local Children’s Miracle Network hospital. In North Bay, funds raised support The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto. In 2008 more than 200 children from the North Bay area utilised the doctors and services at SickKids.

Officials also note that the funds raised during this campaign will not only benefit these patients but will be used towards the hospital’s highest priority needs, which includes patient care, equipment and research SickKids is one of the best children’s hospitals in the world.

“We are so proud of the North Bay Wal-Mart. This year, 312 Wal-Mart stores participated in the miracle balloon campaign and North Bay came out as number one. The store’s management and employees along with the entire community have shown generous support to our hospital,” said Dee Diaz, Children’s Miracle Network director, SickKids Foundation.

“Despite this country’s trying economic times, North Bay showed true Northern spirit, the funds this community raised are outstanding and it’s a reminder of a small town with a big heart.”