Skip navigation

Retailers Collect Funds for Haiti

Publix Super Markets here and Wal-Mart Stores, Bentonville, Ark., were among the first major food retailers to unveil aid programs Wednesday in the wake of the massive earthquake that hit Haiti this week.

LAKELAND, Fla. — Publix Super Markets here and Wal-Mart Stores, Bentonville, Ark., were among the first major food retailers to unveil aid programs Wednesday in the wake of the massive earthquake that hit Haiti this week.

Publix said customers may donate by adding to their grocery totals when checking out. Collected money will be channeled through the American Red Cross and designated specifically for the Haiti Relief & Development Fund.

“This devastating disaster to Haiti hits close to home as we have many associates and their families from the island,” Maria Brous, director of media and community relations, said in a prepared statement.

In a separate donation, Publix Super Markets Charities is giving $100,000 to the American Red Cross for relief efforts for the areas affected by the earthquake.

Meanwhile, Wal-Mart said it would donate $500,000 to Red Cross emergency relief efforts in Haiti and would also sending pre-packaged food kits valued at $100,000 at the request of the Red Cross.

“Many of the markets where we operate in the Americas’ region are launching support campaigns, and we will continue to look for opportunities to provide much needed relief,” said Doug McMillon, president and chief executive officer, Walmart International.

Walmart Canada also donated $100,000 to the Canadian Red Cross Haiti Earthquake fund and launched Project Haiti Relief to collect donations at all 314 locations in Canada.

The Walmart Foundation has also launched a web page, www.walmartstores.com/haiti through which customers and employees can make donations to nonprofits that are supporting relief efforts in Haiti.

Read More of Today's Headlines