Walmart Canada and their Associates Coming Together for Canadian Children
Did you know that 60% of a child’s learning happens in the morning? Research has shown that a healthy breakfast to start a child’s day helps ensure they are able to thrive, learn and excel.
But, many children in Canada arrive at school hungry. This is why, over the last 19 years, Walmart Canada has supported Breakfast Club of Canada’s programs and helped ensure children have access to a nutritious breakfast.
Walmart Canada is currently running their annual national back-to-school fundraising campaign to raise money and awareness for school and community breakfast programs across the country. Paul Lethbridge, Director, Development & Donor Engagement at BCC explains: “Our partnership with Walmart Canada opens many doors for the Club. Their significant yearly funding gives us the resources to serve millions of meals on an annual basis and, through the generosity and dedication of Walmart’s associates and customers, we’re able to build the momentum, year-over-year, to help meet the escalating needs.” Since 2003, Walmart Canada has worked with Breakfast Club of Canada, donating and raising more than $55 million to help feed more than 243,000 students each day.
Walmart Canada’s extensive philanthropy program is focused on supporting Canadian families in need, and since 1994, Walmart Canada has raised and donated more than $500 million to Canadian charities. “We’re committed to building and supporting strong communities, while inspiring our associates to give back. Our giving programs meet specific social needs, and we proudly work through our stores and associates to spark change,” explains Gaurav Gupta, Director, Environmental Social & Governance, Walmart Canada. He points out the strong commitment of the associates who are encouraged to engage with customers and local organizations in several ways to understand and support local needs. “Our associates are our greatest ambassadors. They have a tremendous passion for supporting worthy causes and organizations like Breakfast Club of Canada.”
Making a truly national impact
In addition to contributions through this campaign, Walmart Canada continues to be the largest corporate donor to Breakfast Club of Canada, which reaches more than 490,000 children throughout Canada, making sure they have an equal chance to learn. Through their network of stores across the country and workforce of over 100,000 associates, Walmart Canada represents a significant awareness building opportunity for BCC. “Our mission, brand and impact are visible to millions of Canadians who shop in store and online over the duration of the campaign. At the start of the partnership, 19 years ago, Walmart Canada’s national support laid the groundwork for BCC to spread its mission across the country to make a truly national impact. Without Walmart’s support, more children across Canada would face food insecurity on a daily basis,” added Paul Lethbridge.
Walmart’s back-to-school fundraising campaign runs until October 22, 2021 and donations can be made in more than 400 locations across Canada or on www.walmart.ca
