Walmart’s Global Sustainability Report (http://walmartstores.com/sites/sustainabilityreport/2009/) is a report released by Walmart to measure its goal of, “becoming a more sustainable company." Most of the report has to do with environmental issues. However, the company’s social impact is also discussed. On page 106 is a lengthy description of how the Walmart Corporation helps people all over the country by donating food and money to charitable organizations.
It is important to understand that Walmart is not selflessly giving. In exchange for the money and products they give away, they receive good PR. On the top of page 106 of the report, there is a large picture of a truck with an advertisement for a Texas food bank’s website. Right under the food bank’s name are two big logos, one for Walmart and one for Sam’s Club.
When they do things to help these kinds of non-profits, Walmart gets their logo on trucks, signs, buses and websites, all associated with important charitable organizations that actually help people. Walmart’s not donating… they’re advertising! If Walmart executives believe their “gifts” warrant them advertisements, they should not be billing them as charitable donations. We must all be aware that Walmart’s contributions, while helpful to people, are not the product of a loving, compassionate company. They are business decisions designed to make Walmart look good.
Posted by Jake - July 10, 2009 01:25 PM - Real Facts
SO WHAT ! ! !
Posted by Doug - July 10, 2009 01:42 PM
Doug- if you don't care, why are you on this blog? Some of us are very interested in Wal-Mart's (and all corporate America's) manipulation of the rules and laws in order to promote themselves and confuse consumers into thinking that they are great charitable companies. A real corporate charity? -- The Paul Newman Foundation - with ALL the profits from the companiy going to charities for kids with NO strings attached. That deserves applause - not Wal-Mart's self promotion.
Posted by Sarah - July 10, 2009 02:14 PM