Walmart Foundation donates $35,000 to S.C. State Park Service
March 10, 2012
CHARLESTON, SC – March 12, 2012 – The Walmart Foundation has donated $35,000 to the South Carolina State Park Service for energy-efficiency projects across the system that could cut operating costs. Some of the donation will help convert incandescent floodlights in the exhibit hall at Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site to more efficient LED (or light emitting diodes) bulbs.
Representatives of the Foundation presented the donation today to Duane Parrish, Director of the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism, at a press conference at Charles Towne Landing.
I particularly thank Walmart for being a good corporate partner and helping the park service meet its broad goals of stewardship and service by addressing energy efficiency needs, Parrish said. We are committed to our goal of becoming self-sufficient in 2013, and this donation helps us get there.
Converting to LED lighting in the exhibit hall is expected to save the Park Service $25,000 in energy and labor costs over the life of the bulbs, estimated at 7 years. The new lighting also puts off less heat, meaning the panels and displays in the exhibit hall will fade less, last longer and require less maintenance, leading to additional savings.
Walmart Foundation’s donation also will help fund energy-efficiency projects at Hickory Knob State Resort Park in McCormick County, Devils Fork in Oconee County, Cheraw State Park in Chesterfield County and Huntington Beach State Park in Georgetown County.
The Walmart Foundation strives to provide opportunities that improve the lives of individuals in their communities including customers and associates. Through financial contributions, in-kind donations and volunteerism, the Walmart Foundation supports initiatives focused on enhancing opportunities in the corporation’s four main focus areas:
- Education
- Workforce Development / Economic Opportunity
- Environmental Sustainability
- Health and Wellness.
The foundation’s giving efforts strive to meet the unmet needs of underserved populations and support organizations that give individuals access to a better life. The Walmart Foundation believes in operating globally and giving back locally. They encourage Walmart associates to support programs that make a positive difference in their communities through volunteer efforts and financial contributions, and to get involved in selecting which causes to support.
About Philanthropy at Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) and the Walmart Foundation are proud to support the charitable causes that are important to customers and associates in their own neighborhoods. Through its philanthropic programs and partnerships, the Walmart Foundation funds initiatives focused on creating opportunities in education, workforce development, economic opportunity, environmental sustainability, and health and wellness. From Feb. 1, 2009 through Jan. 31, 2010, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation gave more than $512 million in cash and in-kind gifts globally, $467 million of which was donated in the U.S. To learn more, visit www.walmartfoundation.org.
