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Walmart’s fundraising for Red Cross celebrated

For Walmart staff there was a familiar member of their team inside the Red Cross water safety mascot’s costume last Wednesday.

For Walmart staff there was a familiar member of their team inside the Red Cross water safety mascot’s costume last Wednesday.

Assistant manager Cory Casebeer donned the “Buckles” costume and greeted customers to celebrate the fact the Sylvan Lake store had exceeded its target of raising $4,100 for the Canadian Red Cross disaster preparedness and response activities.

They were only 12 days into the month-long campaign when they reached their target, thanks in part to the generosity of customers who made donations at cash registers.

As a result, Red Cross volunteers were on hand to help customers and show their support for Walmart staff.

“This is a fun way to thank the customers of Walmart in Sylvan Lake for being so generous and supportive of our disaster management program, said Leigh Baker, community development coordinator for Canadian Red Cross.

She stressed money raised in the Sylvan Lake area stays in the Sylvan Lake area to assist people involved in disasters such as fires, floods and tornadoes.

Following a disaster, Canadian Red Cross provides vital assistance for people’s basic needs, including shelter, family reunification, assistance finding support, first aid, information, clothing and food.

They work in partnership with first responders, emergency managers and public officials to support their response activities.

Besides helping in the store, Red Cross volunteers were explaining what their disaster management program does.

“We’re lending support and bringing awareness,” said Baker. She added the agency has been called on several times in the past to provide assistance to local residents who have been struck by disaster through fires.

The month-long cross-country campaign by Walmart Canada launched on Aug. 2 and will run in Walmart stores until Aug. 26. The goal is to raise $3.2 million across the country.