Walmart and Sam’s Club associates, customers and members have raised $3,066,881 for Freeman since 1987. On a national level, Walmart and Sam’s Club are closing in on the $1 billion fundraising mark for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals in the U.S. and Canada.
“The passion and commitment of Walmart and Sam’s Club associates over the past 30 years has had an incredible impact on the families we serve,” said Heather Lesmeister, Freeman Assistant Director of Development. “These funds ensure every child receives exceptional care.”
Money is raised primarily through a register campaign where customers and members contribute $1 or more when they check out. Associates also fundraise in other ways including bake sales, in-store contests and events. The 2016 campaign raised $103,000 for Freeman.
Fundraising for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals helps kids like Victor who was injured when a tree fell on him while he was cleaning up after Hurricane Matthew last year. Victor’s mother is a support and personnel manager at a Walmart Neighborhood Market and has been an active fundraiser for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Little did she know that her own son would need the services of her local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. Thanks to his hospital, Victor is doing well and is back to setting records on his high school track team.
This year’s register campaign runs from September 21 to October 29. Customers and members can conveniently donate $1 or more when they check out at any local Walmart or Sam’s Club store.
Money raised goes directly to benefit sick and injured kids treated at Freeman. Funds are used to pay for equipment, research, supplies, charitable care and a variety of other needs the hospital has.
Walmart and Sam’s Club joined the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals fundraising family in 1987 with Sam Walton himself personally involved in the beginning of the relationship between the organizations. The fundraising campaign supports Walmart’s goal of giving back to local communities.
Customers and members can help spread the word about the campaign via social media using the hashtag #HelpKidsLiveBetter.
About Children's Miracle Network Hospitals
Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals® raises funds and awareness for 170 member hospitals that provide 32 million treatments each year to kids across the U.S. and Canada. Donations stay local to fund critical treatments and healthcare services, pediatric medical equipment and charitable care. Since 1983, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals has raised more than $5 billion, most of it $1 at a time through the charity's Miracle Balloon icon. Its various fundraising partners and programs support the nonprofit's mission to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible. Find out why children's hospitals need community support, identify your member hospital and learn how you can Put Your Money Where the Miracles Are, at CMNHospitals.org and facebook.com/CMNHospitals.
About Freeman Health System
Locally owned, not-for-profit and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital and Ozark Center – the area’s largest provider of behavioral health services – as well as two urgent care clinics, dozens of physician clinics and a variety of specialty services. In 2017, Freeman earned dozens of individual awards for medical excellence and patient safety from CareChex®, a quality rating system that helps consumers evaluate healthcare providers. The Leapfrog Group awarded Freeman the highest grade possible in the Spring 2017 Hospital Patient Safety Score. With more than 300 physicians on staff representing more than 70 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopaedics, children’s services and women’s services. Additionally, Freeman is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit freemanhealth.com.