Fargo, ND - September 11, 2014 - Walmart and Sam's Club associates, customers and members recently wrapped up a six-week campaign to raise funds for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals (CMNH) across the country. Sanford Children's Hospital partnered with 23 stores and clubs across North Dakota and northwest Minnesota and was able to raise $272,000 helping provide patient visits for more than 20,000 kids each year. Nationally, through donations accepted at cash registers and in-store fundraising activities Walmart raised more than $40.2 million for the 170 hospitals that make up Children's Miracle Network Hospitals and helps CMNH provide patient visits for more than 10 million kids each year.

"At Walmart and Sam's Club, we have always believed that our customers, members, and associates are outstanding community partners," said Sharon Power, Walmart regional general manager. "During this year's Children's Miracle Network fundraising campaign, we were awestruck by the generosity, compassion and creativity of individuals across the state. The donations collected over the past six weeks will directly benefit local hospitals including the Sanford Children's Hospital and ensure that every child in North Dakota and Minnesota has access to exceptional, state-of-the-art care."

This year's campaign is the most recent in annual fundraising by the retailers, as Walmart and Sam's Club have collected more than $740 million since partnering with the charity in 1987. Walmart and Sam's Club funds impact each of the 170 Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, which treat 1 in 10 children across North America. Hospitals utilize the funds based on what they need the most-typically for purchasing lifesaving equipment, supporting top therapy programs and providing charitable care.

"Sanford Children's Hospital in Fargo is overwhelmed by the generosity and commitment provided by Walmart and Sam's Club each year, the philanthropic support they provide is unprecedented," said Sharon Spittler, Vice President of Sanford Children's Hospital.  "Walmart and Sam's Club continue to be important members of our team at Sanford Children's, we are so fortunate to have their partnership!"

To raise funds, Sanford Children's Hospital partnered with local Walmart and Sam's Club to host a variety of fundraising activities such as popcorn sales, cookouts and balloon sales, just to name a few, that propelled giving totals to exceed previous years. Sanford Children's Hospital will be using the funds to support pediatric trauma services that will help ensure the highest level of care for children in our region found only at Sanford Children's in Fargo.

The retailer's six-week campaign ran May 1 - June 13. Walmart and Sam's Club 2014 fundraising efforts will continue throughout the year at participating locations through various in- store activities. For more information on the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals visit: www.CMNHospitals.org.


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About Philanthropy at Walmart
Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are committed to helping people live better through philanthropic efforts. By operating globally and giving back locally, Walmart is uniquely positioned to address the needs of the communities it serves and make a significant social impact within its core areas of giving: Hunger Relief & Healthy Eating, Sustainability, Career Opportunity and Women's Economic Empowerment. Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are leading the fight against hunger in the United States with a $2 billion commitment through 2015. Walmart has donated more than 1 billion meals to those in need across the country. To learn more about Walmart's giving, visit foundation.walmart.com.

About Children's Miracle Network Hospitals

Children's Miracle Network Hospitals® raises funds and awareness for 170 member hospitals that provide 32 million treatments each year to kids across the U.S. and Canada. Donations stay local to fund critical treatments and healthcare services, pediatric medical equipment and charitable care. Since 1983, Children's Miracle Network Hospitals has raised more than $5 billion, most of it $1 at a time through the charity's Miracle Balloon icon. Its various fundraising partners and programs support the nonprofit's mission to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible. Find out why children's hospitals need community support, identify your member hospital and learn how you can Put Your Money Where the Miracles Are, at CMNHospitals.org and facebook.com/CMNHospitals.    

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