Walmart Canada donates US$250K to BC wildfires appeal

Who: Walmart Canada

What: The retailer and its Walmart Foundation have committed US$250,000 to the Canadian Red Cross 2026 British Columbia Wildfires Appeal.

The donation comes as Walmart Canada wraps up its annual giving campaign in support of the Canadian Red Cross, which raised more than $3.9 million for local disaster relief. 

Walmart Canada kicked off this year’s campaign with a $1 million donation. Customers were also invited to contribute to the cause by donating or rounding up their purchases at checkout in stores across the country. 

Donations to the Canadian Red Cross help provide assistance to people impacted by disasters, from meeting immediate needs during an emergency to supporting communities through longer-term recovery.

“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, in a press release. “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.”

In Penticton, B.C., Walmart Canada associates stepped up to support communities affected by wildfires.

When evacuation orders and alerts spread across the region, people from Summerland and surrounding communities arrived at the Penticton Walmart parking lot, where employees provided evacuees with fresh drinking water and snacks. 

The store also donated requested supplies, including personal care items and cell phone chargers, supporting those displaced by the fires.

"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."

For more than 23 years, Walmart Canada, along with its associates and customers, have contributed more than $80 million to the Canadian Red Cross. Walmart Canada is the organization's largest corporate supporter.

Walmart said it also supports communities affected by wildfires through the deployment of essential supplies; strategic inventory planning and freight allocation; and collaboration with emergency management agencies.