Red Cross thanks retailer for supporting local disaster programs

North Bay – The Canadian Red Cross is congratulating the North Bay Wal-Mart Store 3063 for raising much needed funds to support local disaster preparedness and response programs.

During a three week campaign in August, the store raised $15,233, all of which will fund local disaster management programs at Red Cross. The nationwide campaign invited customers to donate one dollar at the checkout to support Red Cross. Wal-Mart matched up to $2000 for each store. In total, the campaign raised $1.74 million nationwide, with money raised in each community staying in the community.

“We want to thank Wal-Mart and its customers for supporting Red Cross and the work we do here in the community,” said Don McFarlane Community Services Coordinator “Every dollar donated will enable us to assist those in need when a disaster strikes.”

Funds raised during the campaign will help Red Cross provide urgently needed relief items when a disaster strikes. Wal-Mart’s sponsorship helps Canadian Red Cross maintain stockpiles of emergency supplies such as blankets and hygiene kits which include toothbrushes, soap and other toiletries.

The North Bay Personal Disaster Assistance team has responded to several personal disasters this year and was very active during the Windstorm event of 2006. Our volunteers have been deployed to Hurricane Katrina, The Kashechewan Flooding Evacuations and other area emergencies. We have provided comfort to families in North Bay, Mattawa and West Nipissing.