Canadian retailers respond to Fort McMurray wildfires with donations

Both Walmart Canada and Loblaw companies sent financial aid to support the relief efforts in the Fort McMurray community. According to reports published Friday morning, fires in the province of Alberta have to date forced the evacution of 88,000 residents and destroyed more than 1,600 structures.

The Walmart Foundation committed $500,000, including a donation to the Canadian Red Cross and support by Walmart Canada for local associates. In addition, Walmart Canada has activated a campaign to support the Canadian Red Cross' efforts to provide relief to those affected by the Fort McMurray wildfires. Customers can make donations to the Canadian Red Cross at all Walmart stores in Alberta.



"We are deeply saddened by the devastating fires in Fort McMurray and the catastrophic effect it is having on our associates and members of the community," stated Dirk Van den Berghe, president and CEO, Walmart Canada. "We are fully committed to the relief efforts through our work with the Red Cross and have offered them our full support at this time."



Loblaw Companies have committed $300,000 in support for relief efforts in Fort McMurray, including cash donations, and provisions of essential food and health supplies. In addition, in less than 24-hours, customers in stores across the country have donated more than $120,000 and 1.6 million Shoppers Optimum points to help displaced residents.



"Our thoughts are with our colleagues, customers and those living in and around the Fort McMurray area," said Bob Chant, senior VP corporate affairs, Loblaw. "During times of tragedy, Canadians band together to support our neighbours and we are overwhelmed at our customers' generosity so far."



Loblaw has committed to a cash donation of $150,000 to the Canadian Red Cross. Additionally, through its network of more than 2,400 stores across the country, Loblaw has mobilized a disaster relief effort in each of its businesses to provide comprehensive support to those in Fort McMurray. Loblaw grocery is providing essential food, water, and pet food to emergency shelters and to the Canadian Red Cross, and has enabled customers wishing to support to donate in store. And Shoppers Drug Mart will match the donation of Shoppers Optimum points, to a maximum of $25,000. The donated points will go toward required health and beauty products.