Janice R. Andrews
June 3, 2024, Valparaíso Following the destructive wildfires that destroyed over 7,000 homes and left over 4,000 people homeless in four municipalities in the Valparaíso region earlier this year, Walmart Foundation and Walmart Chile have announced a substantial USD $1 million social investment plan to support the affected parties.
The all-inclusive strategy calls for financial contributions as well as volunteer labor to assist nonprofit groups performing vital recovery operations. These projects include repairing public areas, renovating facilities for kids, planting new trees in green spaces, and aiding business owners—especially women—who have lost money as a result of the fires.
Leading the rescue operations in the Valparaíso region is Walmart Chile, with 51 stores and nearly 4,860 associates employed. The business has set up a fund for solidarity and given affected employee families emergency credit. Walmart Chile has also launched a 1+1 campaign to match employee donations and is providing free mental health and telemedicine treatments, as well as recreational opportunities for staff members’ kids.
The CEO of Walmart Chile, Cristián Barrientos, stated, “Our operations and workforce both greatly benefit from the Valparaíso region.” “Our entire team, along with the Walmart Foundation, has worked diligently to bring hope to the families affected by these unfortunate events.”
Key personalities such as Mayor Macarena Ripamonti and Finance Minister Mario Marcel attended the announcement, which was made inside a Walmart shop in Viña del Mar. The magnitude of the reconstruction task was underlined by Minister Marcel, who pointed out that the number of homes damaged is significantly higher than first projected.
Over 60,000 articles, including food, diapers, clothing, and other necessities, have been donated by Walmart Chile to local and governmental groups to date. To aid displaced citizens and first responders, they have also given food, drink, and tents.
Additionally, Walmart Chile has set up 14 collecting locations spread over seven districts to assist with donations from customers. In order to maximize community participation, activities are coordinated with civil society organizations and municipalities.
The Walmart Foundation and Walmart Chile have demonstrated their dedication to supporting the recovery and reconstruction efforts in the Valparaíso region by providing much-needed relief and hope to the impacted communities through their strong reaction.
