Walmart pledges up to $20 million in hurricane relief

Walmart is significantly expanding its Hurricane Harvey relief efforts.



Walmart and the Walmart Foundation announced they have committed up to $20 million in support of relief efforts in response to the severe weather impacting the Gulf region. This is an increase from the retailer's previously announced $1 million of in-kind donations for immediate relief.



Walmart operates nearly 600 namesake and Sam's Clubs stores in Texas. The chain's new commitment includes $10 million to help support of American Red Cross shelters and $2 million in support of the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund at the Greater Houston Community Foundation.



In addition, Walmart said it would match customer donations two to one with cash and product donations of up to $10 million to assist the Red Cross with Hurricane Harvey relief. Walmart’s initial focus will be on mega-shelters, providing items to meet basic needs, such as water, infant formula, diapers, underwear and personal hygiene products. It also hopes to increase comfort in the shelters by providing items such as TVs, DVDs, games and stuffed animals for children and healthy snacks.



Walmart and the Walmart Foundation will also give additional cash and product donations totaling $10 million to support the Salvation Army, Feeding America, Convoy of Hope, Team Rubicon and the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund at the Greater Houston Community Foundation, as well as other organizations assisting food distribution, sheltering and cleanup efforts.



Walmart has been heavily involved in Hurricane Harvey relief efforts to date. It has shipped more than 1,060 truckloads to the impacted areas, including over 930 truckloads of water; opened a mobile pharmacy in the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, with another pharmacy being sent to Houston to provide prescription-related counseling at no cost to evacuees; and provided matter experts in logistics and emergency management to assist local emergency operations centers and with establishing local shelters.



In addition, local Walmart stores in the Gulf region have provided food, merchandise and other supplies, such as baby formula, batteries and kayaks to first responders, the National Guard, police and fire departments, churches and shelter organizations.



“Our Texas family of customers and associates are experiencing devastating impact from this storm,” said Doug McMillon, President and CEO of Walmart. “We are on the ground to help our friends and neighbors in the Gulf region, and we’ll continue to be in the tough days, weeks, and months ahead.”