Teri Shalala and her son Élie share a Red Cross connection

Walmart Canada is raising funds for the Canadian Red Cross in stores throughout the country from March 2-24, 2017. Visit a store near you to donate in-store to help families in need.

Mary Teresa Shalala, or Teri to her friends, has been a Walmart associate in Vaudreuil-Dorion for eight years. While the mother of four works evenings and nights taking inventory, her 33-year-old son Élie Langevin is often busy helping people affected by disasters. Despite their differing realities, they share something beyond a family bond: a passion for helping disaster victims. Teri does so through her employer, which has supported the Canadian Red Cross for 14 years, and Élie volunteers for the organization in Quebec.

Pictured: Sylvie Bergeron, a Canadian Red Cross volunteer in the Vaudreuil-Soulanges, and Mary Teresa Shalala, a Walmart associate in Vaudreuil-Dorion.

“I feel directly connected to the Red Cross because my son Élie has volunteered there since he was young. I’ve had the chance to see for myself how important Red Cross assistance is for those in need. So I’m thrilled to support an organization that plays an absolutely essential role and to work for a company that shares my values of sharing, caring and compassion,” Teri Shalala said proudly.

“By participating in my employer’s annual Red Cross fundraiser, I feel like I’m working closely with my son, who was in Fort McMurray to support those whose lives were disrupted by the wildfires.” 

“Since Élie joined the Red Cross, I have seen how vital the work of volunteers is for the thousands of people coping with disasters. We aren’t always aware of what people in our own communities are going through, but the Red Cross responds an average of three times a day in Quebec. The needs are huge! I’m extremely proud that Walmart is the leading supporter of the Red Cross and I’m thrilled to do my part with my colleagues,” added Teri Shalala.

Élie Langevin, Red Cross volunteer in Quebec, during his first deployment in Edmonton, with Conrad Sauvé, President and CEO of the Canadian Red Cross.

Essential work

For the 14th consecutive year, Walmart Canada store associates across the country are participating enthusiastically in this effort to raise funds for the Canadian Red Cross. During the month of March, cashiers encouraged customers to donate in support of families affected by disasters in Canada. With the recurring support of Walmart and its customers, the Canadian Red Cross can continue helping people affected by all kinds of disasters, from a house fire that forces a family into the streets to a forest fire that leads to the evacuation of an entire community. 

Since 2003, Walmart has raised nearly $37 million for Canadians in need through its annual campaign. Walmart Canada will match the amount raised at each store, up to $2,000.