Walmart exceeds $1 billion in philanthropic giving

Bentonville, Ark. -- For the first time in the retailer’s history, Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said that, through Walmart and the Walmart Foundation, it has given more than $1 billion in cash and in-kind contributions.



The Monday announcement makes Walmart the first U.S. retailer to achieve the $1 billion in giving mark, up from $872.7 million last year. The growth in global giving was largely due to increased in-kind donations in the U.S. to local food banks and families impacted by disasters.



"At Walmart we believe in taking care of our neighbors and our communities," said Leslie Dach, EVP corporate affairs, Walmart. “One way we can do that is through our giving, and we've tried to step up in a big way."



The company’s focus has been on hunger relief, job training and support of local schools.



In addition to the more than $1 billion from Walmart and the Walmart Foundation, Walmart and Sam's Club customers and associates around the world raised $156.3 million for local organizations such as the Salvation Army and Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.