Walmart and Sam’s Club embark on 30th annual campaign for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals

30-year fundraising total approaching $1 billion mark

SALT LAKE CITY (Aug. 28, 2017 )— In 1987 Sam Walton told the founders of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN Hospitals) that his associates would amaze them. Thirty years later Walmart and Sam’s Club associates have done just that.

Over the last 30 years, Walmart and Sam’s Club associates, customers and members have helped raise nearly $1 billion for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals in the U.S. and Canada. Money is raised primarily through a register campaign where customers and members donate $1 or more when they checkout. Associates also fundraise in other creative ways including bake sales, in-store contests and events.

This year’s register campaign runs through Oct. 29.

“We love Walmart and Sam’s Club associates,” said John Lauck, president and CEO, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. “Their passion for their local CMN Hospital and asking customers and members to donate has made all the difference in our efforts to help kids live better.”

The nearly $1 billion raised by Walmart and Sam’s Club marks the biggest amount ever raised by a company for children’s hospitals. The money raised at local stores is directed to a local CMN Hospital to help sick and injured kids get the care they need. Funds are used to pay for equipment, research, charitable care and a variety of other needs children’s hospitals have.

Walmart and Sam’s Club joined the CMN Hospitals fundraising family in 1987 with Sam Walton himself being personally involved in the beginning of the relationship between the organizations.

“Walmart and Sam’s Club are honored to celebrate 30 years of helping raise funds for local Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals,” said Julie Murphy, executive vice president, Walmart U.S. People. “We are humbled by the generosity displayed by our associates and customers during this special time of year and look forward to supporting local children and their families when they need it most.”

A new addition to the 2017 campaign is the ability of customers and members to donate directly from the screens at self-checkout kiosks. Once they have completed scanning their items customers simply tap “Pay Now” and are then prompted on-screen with a donation request. This type of digital “point-of-sale” fundraising is increasing in popularity. Recent data shows that 78 percent of customers prefer to donate digitally.

Customers and members are encouraged to spread the word about the campaign on social media using the hashtag #HelpKidsLiveBetter.

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.