Walmart Foundation offers $250,000 in cash grants to support California wildfire relief efforts

30 / 10 / 2019

By Marwa Nassar - -

The Walmart Foundation has committed $250,000 in cash grants to support nonprofits providing relief efforts to residents and first responders impacted by the numerous wildfires in California.

The commitment will support organizations engaged in responding to impacted communities, including the American Red Cross, Salvation Army and World Central Kitchen to help meet the needs of those affected by the fires and assist with shelter and feeding efforts.

“The fires in California are devasting and we’re working to quickly support our associates and customers who are being impacted,” said Julie Gehrki, vice president of philanthropy at Walmart. “Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are committed to providing critical resources, whether financially or through product donations to support the nonprofit organizations and first responders providing relief at the front lines.”

Walmart has a long history of providing aid in times of disasters, helping communities prepare and recover by donating emergency supplies, such as food and water, home and personal products. In the past two years, for example, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation gave nearly $50 million in cash, water, food and other products to support victims of hurricanes, wildfires and tornadoes.

Walmart operates more than 300 retail facilities in California, supported by over 90,000 associates. Walmart supports local businesses, spending $28.2 billion with California suppliers in FY19, which supported 315,433 California supplier jobs. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy and employment opportunity.