Walmart Canada and the Walmart Foundation are committing US$250,000 to the Canadian Red Cross to support people and communities affected by wildfires in British Columbia.
The donation is being made through the Canadian Red Cross 2026 British Columbia Wildfires Appeal as fires continue to affect communities across the province.
The contribution comes as Walmart Canada concludes its annual fundraising campaign for the Canadian Red Cross, which raised more than $3.9 million for local disaster relief. Walmart Canada began this year’s campaign with a $1-million donation, while customers were invited to contribute through donations or by rounding up purchases at checkout in stores across Canada.
The company said its relationship with the Canadian Red Cross dates back more than 23 years. During that period, Walmart Canada, its associates and customers have contributed more than $80 million to the organization, which the company describes as its largest corporate supporter.
“When disasters strike, the Red Cross is there, responding quickly and providing assistance to Canadians during some of their most difficult moments,” said Sara Gugula, Chief People Officer, Walmart Canada. “As the British Columbia community continues to rally against the wildfires, we’re here to support them alongside the Walmart Foundation to direct funds where they’re needed the most.”
Amy Avis, Chief of Operations at the Canadian Red Cross, said the latest donation will support people and communities affected by the fires.
“The Canadian Red Cross thanks Walmart Canada and the Walmart Foundation for this generous donation to help those impacted by the wildfires in British Columbia. These funds will assist the people and communities affected as they recover from the wildfires and build resiliency for the future,” said Avis. “This support is one of many examples of how Walmart Canada helps in times of need and the Canadian Red Cross is very appreciative of our partnership.”
Walmart Canada also pointed to the response by associates at its Penticton, B.C., store, where the company said staff saw the effects of the wildfires firsthand.
“When you see families displaced from their homes, you realize how important community support can be,” said David Lucente, Store Manager, Penticton Walmart Supercentre in British Columbia. “I’m proud of how our associates came together to lend a hand. It means a lot to work for a company that supports Canadians when they need help most.”
As evacuation orders and alerts spread across the region, people from Summerland and surrounding communities went to the Penticton Walmart parking lot seeking a safe place to stop, according to the company.
Associates provided evacuees with drinking water and snacks, while the store also donated requested supplies, including personal care items and cellphone chargers, to people displaced by the fires.
Walmart Canada said its disaster response efforts also include the rapid deployment of essential supplies, food, water and other critical goods to affected communities and first responders.
The company said it uses strategic inventory planning and freight allocation to support regions affected by wildfires and evacuations, and works with emergency management agencies to help ensure communities receive resources.
Walmart Canada operates more than 400 stores across the country and employs more than 100,000 associates.
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