[IceBreaker]

BENTONVILLE, Ark., Sept. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Following President
Bush's announcement today that former Presidents Bush and Clinton will lead a
nationwide fundraising effort to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina, Wal-
Mart President and CEO Lee Scott contacted President Clinton and the White
House and committed $15 million from Wal-Mart to jump-start the effort.
As part of this commitment, Wal-Mart will establish mini-Wal-Mart stores
in areas impacted by the hurricane. Items such as clothing, diapers, baby
wipes, food, formula, toothbrushes, bedding and water will be given out free
of charge to those with a demonstrated need.
Wal-Mart previously donated $2 million in cash to aid emergency relief
efforts and has been collecting contributions at its 3,800 stores and CLUBS,
and through its web sites [www.walmartfacts.com, http://www.walmart.com,
http://www.walmartfoundation.org, http://www.walmartstores.com, http://www.samsclub.com].
Through its Associate Disaster Relief Fund, the company will also give
displaced associates immediate funds for shelter, food, clothing and other
necessities.
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. operates Wal-Mart Stores, Supercenters, Neighborhood
Markets and SAM'S CLUBS in all fifty states. Internationally, the company
operates in Puerto Rico, Canada, China, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, United
Kingdom, Argentina and South Korea. The company's securities are listed on
the New York and Pacific stock exchanges under the symbol WMT.

http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/st...910&EDATE=

[art_director]

Maybe that corporation has a heart after all.

[von Wrangell]

Originally Posted by IceBreaker

BENTONVILLE, Ark., Sept. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Following President
Bush's announcement today that former Presidents Bush and Clinton will lead a
nationwide fundraising effort to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina, Wal-
Mart President and CEO Lee Scott contacted President Clinton and the White
House and committed $15 million from Wal-Mart to jump-start the effort.
As part of this commitment, Wal-Mart will establish mini-Wal-Mart stores
in areas impacted by the hurricane. Items such as clothing, diapers, baby
wipes, food, formula, toothbrushes, bedding and water will be given out free
of charge to those with a demonstrated need.
Wal-Mart previously donated $2 million in cash to aid emergency relief
efforts and has been collecting contributions at its 3,800 stores and CLUBS,
and through its web sites [www.walmartfacts.com, http://www.walmart.com,
http://www.walmartfoundation.org, http://www.walmartstores.com, http://www.samsclub.com].
Through its Associate Disaster Relief Fund, the company will also give
displaced associates immediate funds for shelter, food, clothing and other
necessities.
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. operates Wal-Mart Stores, Supercenters, Neighborhood
Markets and SAM'S CLUBS in all fifty states. Internationally, the company
operates in Puerto Rico, Canada, China, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, United
Kingdom, Argentina and South Korea. The company's securities are listed on
the New York and Pacific stock exchanges under the symbol WMT.

http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/st...910&EDATE=

And then runs directly to the media to tell everyone about it............

Wonder if the "mini-Walmarts" will have signs all over reminding people of who is handing out the stuff.......

[budster101]

You mean this is the first time you've noticed they've given to anyone? Do some research ok?

http://www.usatoday.com/money/compan...-waltons_x.htm

http://www.newenglandforestry.org/pr...4a/nytimes.htm

http://philanthropy.com/free/article...0/20000701.htm

[spacefreak]

Originally Posted by von Wrangell

And then runs directly to the media to tell everyone about it............

As they should. Someone needs to set the bar.

[Spliffdaddy]

Is that donation the $15 million in inventory that was looted from the New Orleans Wal-Mart? Or is that $15 million a gift above and beyond the looted Wal-Mart's inventory?

[Atomic Rooster]

Originally Posted by spacefreak

As they should. Someone needs to set the bar.

Not even their money. They have donation stands set up as you enter the stores.

[budster101]

So, the person that organizes and actually compiles the money for the donation deserves no credit?
Ok, I'll remember that... RED CROSS. It's not their money, do they deserve any CREDIT?

[Spliffdaddy]

The Red Cross is a mismanaged organization (remember 9/11?). Give your donation to the Salvation Army, instead.

[art_director]

Originally Posted by Spliffdaddy

Give your donation to the Salvation Army, instead.

They need it to continue their fight against homosexuals.

[budster101]

Quit crapping in threads art_director.

[Scandalous Ion Cannon]

Originally Posted by art_director

Maybe that corporation has a heart after all.

The biggest richest Store in the world gives $15mil? Will they even notice?

Perhaps they will change their minds when they see all the wal-marts being looted.

[art_director]

Originally Posted by Scandalous Ion Cannon

The biggest richest Store in the world gives $15mil? Will they even notice?

Perhaps they will change their minds when they see all the wal-marts being looted.

I hear you...but at least they gave something. They didn't have to.

[budster101]

They actually gave 17million thus far. Yes, it will make a difference.

[goMac]

It's very nice of them to donate, and we all should appreciate it, but keep in mind, 15 million is pennies for Wal Mart.

[art_director]

Originally Posted by goMac

It's very nice of them to donate, and we all should appreciate it, but keep in mind, 15 million is pennies for Wal Mart.

Let's put this into perspective:

"Wal-Mart's net for the three months ended July 31 rose to $2.81 billion, or 67 cents a share, from $2.65 billion, or 62 cents a share, a year earlier. Sales revenue climbed 10% to $76.81 billion from $69.72 billion. The 5.8% profit gain over last year's second quarter fell short of Wal-Mart's internal goal of posting earnings increases exceeding sales growth."

SOURCE: Wall Street Journal

[Atomic Rooster]

Now only if they would pay their employees a living wage.

Budster you're a "Greeter" at Walmart...How much do they pay you?

[art_director]

Originally Posted by Atomic Rooster

Now only if they would pay their employees a living wage.

Budster you're a "Greeter" at Walmart...How much do they pay you?

I feel a lot of love in this thread.

[Scandalous Ion Cannon]

Originally Posted by art_director

I hear you...but at least they gave something. They didn't have to.

For all the advertising they are getting 15 mil is the cheapest mass publicity they have ever got.

[art_director]

I live in Minneapolis, home of Target. Being that Target is a hometown company I root for them against Wal-Mart any day. But, in a time like this, we should be thankful that Wal-Mart gave the money. According to Target's website they're at $1.5 million which is considerably less money but hey, they don't need to give anything.

[von Wrangell]

Originally Posted by spacefreak

As they should. Someone needs to set the bar.

Charity should be private and not used as a publicity stunt like this. Corporations should STFU about how much and if they give. Just like the average person who gives to charity. It's none of our business how much (or little) they give.

[art_director]

Originally Posted by von Wrangell

Charity should be private and not used as a publicity stunt like this. Corporations should STFU about how much and if they give. Just like the average person who gives to charity. It's none of our business how much (or little) they give.

No, they should let it be known that they support causes.

[von Wrangell]

Originally Posted by art_director

No, they should let it be known that they support causes.

If asked the most they should say is "Yes, we have and will donate but that is all we are going to say".

It's disgusting to see companies and persons use events like this for publicity.

[NYCFarmboy]

Originally Posted by von Wrangell

If asked the most they should say is "Yes, we have and will donate but that is all we are going to say".

It's disgusting to see companies and persons use events like this for publicity.

I think it is a great idea to publicize it, as that will get other corporations and individuals to give as well.

[von Wrangell]

Originally Posted by NYCFarmboy

I think it is a great idea to publicize it, as that will get other corporations and individuals to give as well.

Maybe the difference between us is that I believe that we as humans should be decent enough to give what we can following events like this without outside pressure. You on the other hand seem to believe we need a push to give to those in need.

[NYCFarmboy]

Originally Posted by von Wrangell

Maybe the difference between us is that I believe that we as humans should be decent enough to give what we can following events like this without outside pressure. You on the other hand seem to believe we need a push to give to those in need.

I'm sorry it really seems to upset you about Wal-Mart helping those in need.

[deej5871]

Originally Posted by IceBreaker

Wal-Mart will establish mini-Wal-Mart stores in areas impacted by the hurricane. Items such as clothing, diapers, baby wipes, food, formula, toothbrushes, bedding and water will be given out free of charge to those with a demonstrated need.

What exactly is "demonstrated need"? I would think that simply being in the disaster area qualifies as in need.

[NYCFarmboy]

demonstrated need: someone actually needing aid.

[deej5871]

Originally Posted by NYCFarmboy

demonstrated need: someone actually needing aid.

Who exactly doesn't need aid in the disaster area? And even if there are people that don't need anything, how exactly do you demonstrate need? Just say "I haven't eaten in 3 days"?

All I'm saying is that little "demonstrated need" bit makes me a little suspicious. That's all.

[von Wrangell]

Originally Posted by NYCFarmboy

I'm sorry it really seems to upset you about Wal-Mart helping those in need.

Ah, the MacNN spin. Gotta love it.

I'm not upset they gave. I'm upset that they made a publicity stunt out of it.

[NYCFarmboy]

Originally Posted by von Wrangell

Ah, the MacNN spin. Gotta love it.

I'm not upset they gave. I'm upset that they made a publicity stunt out of it.

You view it as a "stunt" to announce a gift?
I've not seen a 500 million dollar t.v. campaign by Wal-mart announcing the gift, I heard about it here where the Wal-Mart haters decided to attack Wal-Mart for giving.

[von Wrangell]

Originally Posted by NYCFarmboy

You view it as a "stunt" to announce a gift?

Yes.

[Kodachrome]

what have other corporations and goverments given so far?

as to stunt... did Wal-Mart announce this with a human canonball? or while jumping up and down in a clownsuit?

silly rabbit, trixs are for kids.

[finboy]

Originally Posted by von Wrangell

Maybe the difference between us is that I believe that we as humans should be decent enough to give what we can following events like this without outside pressure. You on the other hand seem to believe we need a push to give to those in need.

Is WalMart even IN Iceland yet? Do you guys have other big box/high volume retailers?

[UnixMac]

Originally Posted by Kodachrome

what have other corporations and goverments given so far?

as to stunt... did Wal-Mart announce this with a human canonball? or while jumping up and down in a clownsuit?

silly rabbit, trixs are for kids.

those "damn worthless" Arabs have given us $600 million .. more than the rest of the world combined (I might add).

It also bares noting that Sri Lanka (who doesn't have a pot to piss in) gave $25,000 while Denmark gave $30,000

[art_director]

As far as I'm concerned it's $15 million the relief effort didn't have before they came along. It's not like they're putting their logo on every bottle of water and rescue helicopter. A cash contribution is the right way for them to support the mission.

So, unless those against it would like to cover Wal-Mart's $15 million, I say be thankful.

[von Wrangell]

Originally Posted by finboy

Is WalMart even IN Iceland yet? Do you guys have other big box/high volume retailers?

Foreign companies for some reason have avoided Iceland. Which is only good as our biggest companies have started buying up companies abroad. Examples are the Bulgarian national telephone company and several known stores in Britain. It has actually got to the point where the Brits talk about the new Viking invasion and where the Danes talk about the Icelandic invasion.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/marks/stor...507595,00.html

http://edition.cnn.com/2005/BUSINESS...king.invasion/

http://www.baugurgroup.com/

http://www.forbes.com/home/free_forb.../0328/138.html

Just google for "viking invasion baugur" for more articles on it.

[art_director]

Originally Posted by von Wrangell

Foreign companies for some reason have avoided Iceland. Which is only good as our biggest companies have started buying up companies abroad. Examples are the Bulgarian national telephone company and several known stores in Britain. It has actually got to the point where the Brits talk about the new Viking invasion and where the Danes talk about the Icelandic invasion.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/marks/stor...507595,00.html

http://edition.cnn.com/2005/BUSINESS...king.invasion/

http://www.baugurgroup.com/

http://www.forbes.com/home/free_forb.../0328/138.html

Just google for "viking invasion baugur" for more articles on it.

"Is Wal-Mart even in Iceland yet?"

It doesn't matter if Wal-Mart, Target and Best Buy are in Iceland. Fact is this is now a global economy. It's no longer a game of my country vs. your country – we all depend upon one another.