R.I. charities received $1.2 million from Wal-Mart

PROVIDENCE – Rhode Island charities received more than $1.2 million in cash and in-kind donations over the past fiscal year from Wal-Mart and the Wal-Mart Foundation, according to the company and its philanthropic arm.
Also in Rhode Island, Wal-Mart donated 386,970 pounds of food to local food banks — nearly 322,000 meals – in the last fiscal year, in part by partnering with Meals on Wheels to provide meals to the elderly and those who are homebound, the company said.
The $1.2 million represents two rounds of giving in the past fiscal year, July 1 through June 30, as well as donations from stores.
Of that sum, the nonprofits that have received donations from Wal-Mart most recently include Operation Stand Down Rhode Island, $100,000; the Academy for Career Exploration, $25,000; the Jonnycake Center of Westerly, $40,000; the East Bay Food Pantry, $30,000; Providence In-Town Churches, $50,000; and the Rhode Island Nurses Institute Middle College Charter High School, $35.000.
“Veterans are the best investment corporate America can make and Wal-Mart has wisely chosen to support Americas next ‘Greatest Generation,’” said Erik B. Wallin, executive director of Operation Stand Down Rhode Island, which provides housing and services to homeless and at-risk veterans.
Chris Buchanan, director of public affairs and government relations at Wal-Mmart, said the company is committed to working with food banks, shelters, educational organizations and work force development programs throughout Rhode Island to help families here.
“Wal-Mart is proud to provide essential support for our non-profit partners in Rhode Island that are working to alleviate epidemics such as hunger and homelessness, and to support and enhance educational efforts throughout the state,” Buchanan said.
Worldwide, the company and its foundation have donated more than $1.3 billion to nonprofit groups, which exceeds the previous fiscal year total by more than $244 million.

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