Rick Hunter says he believes along with being Belleville's largest retailer comes a big responsibility to help the local community.
It's that belief that has enabled the Wal-Mart store here to raise almost $68,000 through various initiatives last year for local and national charities.
"We have a social responsibility as an industry leader to help out in our community and be a good corporate citizen. And that's what we have been doing," said Hunter, the supercentre's manager.
The Belleville store raised $67,901 in 2007 through in-store fundraising and sponsored activities for local community groups and a range of national charities.
Local charities benefiting from Wal-Mart's generosity included the Salvation Army, which received $5,700; Woo Doggy Chili which got $4,500; the Heart and Stroke Foundation which received $3,800.
The local store also raised $7,131 for the Children's Miracle Network, $8,209 for the Breakfast Clubs of Canada and $4,351 for the Canadian Red Cross Society.
Last year alone, Wal-Mart stores across Canada raised and donated more than $19 million to charities.
Hunter, who helped open the supercentre last fall as manager, said the financial support provided his store last year was overwhelming. "Without a doubt, 2007 was one of our best years yet and we look forward to supporting more groups and raising more money in 2008," he told The Intelligencer, Wednesday.
Hunter credits his store associates for spearheading its many fundraising initiatives.
"I'm very impressed, thankful and also very humbled by how passionate our associates are about taking care of our community," he said.
"they donate their time and money and they really champion the cause for local charities."
One fundraising initiative has associates selling $1 icons at the cash register at various times of the year for different charities. Customers are asked if they are interested in purchasing or donating a loonie to the cause.
"Currently, we are running a campaign for the Breakfast Clubs of Canada and the money raised supports local breakfast clubs," said Hunter.
Even its vendor partners - companies that supply Wal-Mart with products - have jumped on its fundraising bandwagon.
He cited Pepsi and Frito Lay Canada as "great contributors" to its charities in 2007, donating from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
In addition to the store's contributions to charities, Hunter said many local youth, sport and community groups have also used the Wal-Mart premises to raise money for their own causes.
"It is wonderful to see the level of support that customers and associates in our community give to each other," Hunter said. "These groups provide such a great service to our community and we are delighted we can contribute by providing a venue for fundraising."
hbury@intelligencer.ca
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