Wal-Mart Continues to Support China's Children’s Cancer Treatment

Nov 23, 2006

 

Nov. 23, 2006, – Today, Wal-Mart donated $ 25,000 to International Consortium for Cure of Childhood Cancer in China (CURE) to support cancer treatment for Chinese children.  The funding will be specifically used to sponsor Chinese doctors to be trained in the United States, and to support the cancer research center for children in Capital Pediatric Research Station in Beijing.

“Children Welfare is an important part of Corporate Social Responsibilities of Wal-Mart China.  This funding is yet another demonstration of our commitment to the tradition of community involvement.  We hope this program can help raise the level of treatment of children cancer, and save more children.” said James Lee, Vice President of Wal-Mart (China) Investment Co. Ltd.

So far, the incidence of leukemia is higher than any other malignant tumor diseases among Chinese children.  About three out of one hundred thousand children under fifteen suffer from leukemia, taking a percentage of 35% of all malignant tumor diseases among the age group.  Leukemia needs long-term treatment.  Some patients can only be cured through marrow transplant, but the treatment usually costs over RMB 200,000.  In order to assist the government, medical institutions,and patients in cancer’s prevention, early-stage interference, treatment and healing for children, a fund was set up in March, 2002 through the cooperation among CURE, China Welfare Federation, and Shanghai Soong Ching Ling Foundation (SCLF).  The fund has made great contributions to medical staff studies, scientific research on cancer diagnosis and treatment, and sponsoring needy children cancer sufferers.  The fund also plans to set up more cancer instruction centers in cities like Shanghai to help guide local hospitals and medical staffs to promote cancer diagnosis and treatment level in future five years.

This is Wal-Mart’s second donation to the fund.  Wal-Mart donated RMB 200,000 to the fund in October, 2004.

Wal-Mart sees itself as a member of the community and is committed to local community contribution and service.  Wal-Mart organizes charity events and engages in community services in five areas including environmental protection, good neighbor, education support, children welfare, and disaster relief in China.  Since entering China in 1996, Wal-Mart has donated over RMB 24 million to various charitable organizations.  In the meantime, Wal-Mart China associates have contributed over 120,000 man hours to charity events and volunteers services.

About Wal-Mart China

Wal-Mart China opened its first Supercenter and SAM’S CLUB in August 1996 in Shenzhen and now operates 68 outlets including Supercenters, SAM’S CLUBs, and Neighborhood Markets in 34 cities with over 36,000 associates.  Wal-Mart has brought along advanced management expertise to China’s retail industry and provided local customers with good merchandise and services.  For more information about Wal-Mart China, please visit www.wal-martchina.com.