Walmart.ca annual holiday Spark a Miracle fundraising campaign has raised an impressive $5.7 million to support children’s hospitals nationwide. The funds will directly benefit 12 children’s hospital foundations across Canada, advancing groundbreaking research, purchasing specialized medical equipment, and enhancing healing environments for young patients and their families.
From November 14 to December 24, 2024, Walmart Canada invited customers to donate at checkout both in-store and online. A special focus was placed on Giving Tuesday (December 3), where Walmart contributed $1 from every toy sold in stores and on Walmart.ca, up to a maximum donation of $200,000.
“The unwavering support of Walmart Canada, their associates, and customers has been instrumental in helping children’s hospitals provide the specialized care kids need across Canada,” said Adam Starkman, President and CEO of Canada’s Children’s Hospital Foundations. “Thank you, Walmart, for your dedication – your generosity is transforming lives and creating brighter futures for children and families in every community.”
This campaign’s success highlights Walmart Canada’s long-standing commitment to supporting Canadian communities, especially those focused on children’s health and well-being.
“Spark a Miracle is one of the ways we demonstrate our commitment to strengthening the communities we serve,” said Rob Nicol, Vice President of Communications and Corporate Affairs at Walmart Canada. “We are incredibly proud of our dedicated associates and deeply grateful for the generosity of our customers, who consistently help Canadian families through these donations that prioritize the health and well-being of children.”
Inspiring Stories of Hope
The campaign also shared the inspiring stories of two Patient Ambassadors, Cole and Rylie, whose lives have been transformed thanks to the care provided by Canadian children’s hospitals.
Rylie was born prematurely with a hole in her heart and spent three months in the NICU at Stollery Children’s Hospital. After undergoing three open-heart surgeries, Rylie is thriving and loves spreading joy to everyone she meets.
Cole developed a rare blood disorder at age four that caused his blood to clot and his kidneys to fail. He was sent to Children’s Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre, where life-saving amputations and a kidney transplant changed his life. In 2023, Cole competed in wheelchair basketball at the Canada Games, showcasing his strength and resilience.
30 Years of Impact
Since 1994, Walmart Canada has partnered with Children’s Miracle Network, raising over $230 million to date. This long-standing partnership has had a significant impact on pediatric healthcare, helping to provide vital support to families in need across the country.
About Walmart Canada
Walmart Canada is a tech-powered omnichannel retailer with more than 400 stores nationwide, serving over 1.5 million customers daily. Walmart.ca, the company’s flagship online store, also receives millions of visitors every day. Walmart Canada has over 100,000 associates and is one of the country’s largest employers, consistently ranked as one of the top 10 most influential brands in Canada. Walmart Canada has raised over $750 million for Canadian charities since its inception.
About Children’s Miracle Network
Children’s Miracle Network® supports 170 member hospitals across the globe, including 13 in Canada. Its mission is to raise funds and awareness to save and improve the lives of children. Donations directly fund critical treatments, pediatric medical equipment, and research at local children’s hospitals.
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