Walmart invests $350,000 in greening projects

Walmart Canada and Evergreen announced the recipients of the 2011 Walmart - Evergreen Green Grants that will see 56 local community groups each receiving funds of up to $10,000 for community projects supporting urban naturalization and the local environment.

Green Grants, sponsored by Walmart Canada and led by Evergreen, a not-for-profit organization that makes cities more livable, support the restoration and stewardship of community green space in Canada.

"Walmart is committed to supporting the local communities where we operate," said John Lawrence, director of corporate social responsibility for Walmart Canada. "We're proud to partner with Evergreen to support 56 projects across Canada that allow Canadians to green their communities."

This year's Green Grant projects include:

* $10,000 to the Canadian National Institute for the Blind to build a food garden for the blind in Yellowknife.

* $8,000 to Windy Whisper Woods: Gillam Pre School & Child Centre Natural Playspace, a First Nations Reserve project benefiting families at risk in Gillam, Man.

* $5,000 for a streambed restoration project in Peachland, B.C.

* $5,000 to the Ben Nobelman Park Community Orchard, downtown Toronto's first fruit orchard.

Since Green Grant Program was established in 2005, Walmart has invested more than $2.5 million and supported 375 local greening projects.