Walmart 2004 Annual Report Download - page 13

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English classes, how to sign children up for school and
where to go for health care that is priced on a sliding
scale,”says Dubester. “We help our clients make
appointments, and we offer an extensive database with
referral information. For example, if someone is looking
for prenatal care, we can tell them which clinics have
someone on staff who speaks Spanish.”
“If someone brings in a traffic ticket, we help them
understand how the court system works,”says Dubester.
“When clients need legal help, we refer them to an
attorney or to legal aid.We offer workshops on financial
literacy. And sometimes, we simply help them read
their mail.”
Wal-Mart has also become involved with Hispanic Liaison
on the local level, with the nearby Wal-Mart Supercenter
sponsoring the organization’s Fiesta Latina event
each year.
“Having the opportunity to work with Wal-Mart at the
national and local level has been great for us,”says
Dubester. “My experience is that
most corporations don’t do
multi-year grants, but Wal-Mart
has supported us for three years,
allowing us to provide essential
services to thousands
of Hispanics.”
Give Kids the
World Village
It’s been said that it
takes a village to
raise a child.But it
also takes a village
to raise a child’s
spirits.That’s why Wal-Mart raises funds for Give Kids the
World Village in Kissimmee, Fla., a nonprofit, 51-acre
resort that creates magical memories for children with
life-threatening illnesses and their families.
Since 1986, more than 60,000 families from around the
globe have visited Give Kids the World Village.Wal-Mart
began fund raising for the village in March 2003, and
since that time has raised more than $1 million.
This special retreat is a place where kids can get away
from a world of doctors, hospitals and medical
treatments.They’re welcomed by Mayor Clayton, a
6-foot-tall bunny, and lavished with hugs and smiles
during their week-long stay.
“We are truly grateful that a generous, family-oriented
company like Wal-Mart has chosen to embrace our
mission and champion this one-of-a-kind fund-raiser,”
says Pamela Landwirth, president of Give Kids the World
Village. “Thousands of children across the country and
around the world face life-threatening illnesses. Our
ultimate goal is to make a difference in the life of each
special child who visits the Village.”
One of those special children is 9-year-old Colin Albo
of Orlando, Fla. Colin, his sister Deanna, and his
grandparents,Terri and Jeff Whitehouse, participate in the
Village Kids Club Program, which offers monthly social
activities and parties for local children who are also
battling life-threatening illnesses.
Born with scoliosis and spina bifida, Colin has faced many
physical challenges, including the loss of his arms. But his
high-spirited nature and outgoing personality have made
him a favorite at the Kids Club for the past four years.In
fact, Colin entered and won the Tide® Racing/Give Kids
the World coloring contest in 2001, a one-of-a-kind
experience for him and his family.
“It’s par-a-dise!” Colin exclaims when asked about the
Village. He especially enjoys the spooky costumes and
decorations at the annual Halloween parties. “It’s fun!
And amazing! And there are lots of really cool things to
do there.”
Terri Whitehouse says other children tend to shy away
from Colin because of his disabilities, leaving him with
very few playmates. “Being at Give Kids the World Village
has helped Colin gain so much self-esteem,”she says. “We
enjoy the Village so much, and we’re absolutely thankful
for everything the organization offers to families such
as ours.”
Since 1986, more
than 60,000 families
from around the
globe have visited
Give Kids the
World Village.
Colin Albo