Wal-Mart increases pledge toward China relief

SHENZHEN, China Wal-Mart announced that it has increased its pledge for relief to those affected by the recent China earthquakes to more than RMB 20 million (USD $3 million), to be used for community reconstruction. In the meantime, the company will vigorously explore the possibility of setting up a Wal-Mart foundation in China to help extend the company's long-term disaster relief efforts.

While 15 stores were closed immediately after the earthquake, as of May 26 only one store, located in Dujiangyan city, remains closed due to damage. Fortunately, Wal-Mart has now located all its associates, but more than 500 associates have either lost their homes or have severely damaged houses.