Walmart Associates Raise $1.2 Million to Save and Restore Sight

Associates from the Presque Isle, Maine, Walmart store raised more than any other team in the nation! Left to right: In the Presque Isle Walmart Vision Center, Store Manager Chad Gray, Foundation Fighting Blindness volunteer Dan Day, Vision Center Manager Shawn Beaulieu and Save Your Vision Month Team Captain Joshua Bellamy.

April 23, 2013 — In just 31 days last fall, dedicated Walmart associates across the country rallied to raise an impressive $1.2 million for sight-saving research and public education, while promoting eye health awareness in their communities. The Foundation Fighting Blindness (FFB) applauds the philanthropic efforts of the thousands of Walmart associates who volunteered their time to walk for a combined total of 270,000 hours during FFB’s inaugural Save Your Vision Month in October 2012.

Through Walmart’s Volunteerism Always Pays program, associates may request charitable contributions on behalf of organizations where they volunteer.

“We commend Walmart associates for raising awareness about eye health and, through raising these funds, making a difference for millions living with low to no vision,” says Bill Schmidt, CEO of the Foundation Fighting Blindness. “The money raised through Save Your Vision Month fuels some of the most promising research, including landmark studies that have restored significant vision in children and young adults who were previously blind.”

While associates at all of the participating Walmart stores deserve major thanks and recognition for their volunteering, these five stores rose to the top for raising the most funds:

1. Walmart #1924 in Presque Isle, Maine          $28,750
2. Walmart #1019 in Canon City, Colorado       $18,500
3. Walmart #1798 in Caro, Michigan                 $17,250
4. Walmart #264 in Dickson, Tenn.                    $14,000
5. Walmart #2012 in North Oxford, Mass.         $13,750

On a larger scale, associates at Walmart’s North Central and Mid-America divisions led the way, with the time they volunteered translating into an impressive $325,000 and $255,000 in grant money for FFB.

“Our Vision Center team members are constantly interacting with patients coping with vision challenges, so they understand the value of FFB’s work to save and restore sight,” said Dr. Chad Overman, director of professional relations for Walmart’s Health and Wellness Division. “We are proud to be able to help in any way we can, and the Save Your Vision Month program is an excellent way for our associates to stay connected to the communities we serve and give back.”