RALEIGH, N.C., April 22 /PRNewswire/ -- In Earth Day ceremonies, Walmart General Manager for the Carolinas David Carmon announced 3,000 new jobs will be added in the State in 2009 in addition to the nearly 8500 jobs created since 2005. North Carolina's largest employer with over 51,000 Associates, Walmart expects healthy growth throughout the second two quarters of the year. "In a time when many are suffering, we want North Carolinians to know that we are here to stay," said Carmon.
As part of Walmart's sustainability commitment, over 100 Associates distributed reusable shopping bags near a giant 3D "Can Sculpture" depicting a map of the State constructed entirely of canned Walmart food products. All of the food, valued at over $7,000, will be donated to the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina. Walmart's earth-friendly practices include doubling the fuel efficiency of its trucks, becoming 100 percent supplied by renewable energy and creating zero waste in its stores.
NC Walmart Foundation's State Giving Council of North Carolina also announced 2008 grants totaling over $7 million to NC non profits. Chris Neeley, Council chairman said, "The Walmart Foundation is proud to support the charitable causes that are important to our customers and associates in their own neighborhoods. We are especially eager to step up in these tough economic times to help some of North Carolina's most deserving non-profits."
Through its philanthropic programs and partnerships, the Walmart Foundation supports initiatives focused on creating opportunities in education, workforce development, environmental sustainability, and health and wellness. North Carolina grant recipients include:
American Diabetes Association, Charlotte, NC
Andrews Valley Initiative, Andrews, NC
Boys and Girls Club of Coastal Carolina Inc., Havelock, NC
Boys and Girls Club of the Sandhills Inc., Southern Pines, NC
Bright Hopes, Charlotte, NC
Burke County United Way, Morganton, NC
Care Clinic Inc., Fayetteville, NC
Citizen Schools Inc., Charlotte, NC
City Rescue Mission Inc., Fayetteville, NC
Communities in Schools of North Carolina Inc., Raleigh, NC
Conservation Trust for North Carolina, Raleigh, NC
Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina, Raleigh, NC
Friendship Trays Inc., Charlotte, NC
Girls Incorporated of the Albemarle Inc., Elizabeth City, NC
Graham Children's Health Services of Toe River, Burnsville, NC
Hospice Palliative Care of Greensboro, Greensboro, NC
John Avery Boys Girls Club Inc., Durham, NC
Keep Gastonia Beautiful Inc., Gastonia, NC
Lower Cape Fear Hospice Incorporated, Wilmington, NC
Lucy Daniels Center for Early Childhood, Cary, NC
Lumber River Development Corp, Pembroke, NC
Lutheran Family Services in the Carolinas, Raleigh, NC
North Carolina Big Sweep Inc., Zebulon, NC
North Carolina Coastal Federation Inc., Wilmington, NC
North Carolina Medical Society Foundation Inc., Raleigh, NC
Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina Inc., Fayetteville, NC
Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy, Asheville, NC
Sturgeon City, Jacksonville, NC
The Society of Saint Andrew NC, Durham, NC
Triangle Land Conservancy Inc., Raleigh, NC
Winston-Salem Street School, Winston-Salem, NC
About Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Walmart is the largest employer in North Carolina with over 51,000 associates at its 155 locations including Walmart Supercenters; Sam's Clubs and distribution centers. More information about Wal-Mart can be found by visiting www.walmartstores.com. To learn more about its charitable giving, visit www.walmartfoundation.org
