Walmart & Sam’s Club Kick-Off Annual Fundraising Campaign

 Walmart and Sam’s Club have united with Children’s Miracle Network once again for their 32nd year of helping customers and associates “put their money where their miracles are” by supporting Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals during their annual fundraising campaign.

From June 10 through July 7, Walmart and Sam’s Club across the country will be fundraising for the 10 million children that are treated at a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital each year. More than 70 Walmart and Sam’s Club locations in Florida and South Georgia will be fundraising for UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital. During the annual campaign, customers can donate at the register, at self check-out, or with their online grocery pickup order. Walmart and Sam’s Club associates also engage in creative in-store fundraising, such as bake sales, cookouts, and craft sales. In 2018 alone, Walmart and Sam’s Club raised more than $440,000 for UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital, bringing their historical fundraising total to more than $11 million for UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital since 1985.

“I have been with Walmart for 26 years and every year it seems that we reach higher and higher goals for the children and the hospitals,” said Sandra Raines, Market Assistant for Walmart in Ocala, FL. “The hospitals help not only our communities but our very own associates in many different circumstances. Together we all can make a difference!”

Prior to the start of the campaign, associates from Walmart and Sam’s Clubs throughout the state gathered in Gainesville for the annual kickoff event, with more than 30 stores bringing wagons filled to the brim with toys, art supplies, and other essentials for children and their families in the hospital. Associates were able to tour the hospital as well as hear from hospital staff and a local ambassador family on the impact of the funds that they raise.

Walmart and Sam’s Club are excited for another year of creative fundraising and working hard to make an impact for local kids.

“I love to see the associates having fun while raising funds for CMN. I love the creativity that the associates pour into their fundraising ideas along with their time and devotion,” said Raines. “Most of all I love to see and hear the real life stories of how the money that we raise helps not only our local hospitals but puts smiles and hope in the lives of the children and families that may have to spend time in one of the local hospitals. CMN definitely makes a difference in so many ways!”