Walmart announced that the company will make a donation of up to 20 oxygen-generating plants and 20 cryogenic containers to India. The goal of this donation is to mitigate the storage and transportation of the gas. According to sources, the company will also provide USD 2 million to non-governmental organisations to help them fight the devastating surge in coronavirus cases.
Walmart stated in a comment, “Walmart will donate up to 20 oxygen-generating plants and 20 cryogenic containers for oxygen storage and transportation, as well as more than 3,000 oxygen concentrators and 500 oxygen cylinders for delivering oxygen therapy to patients at home or in hospital.”
The decision by the American retail giant came as India continues to witness a steep increase in the number of Covid-19 cases and deaths due to the shortage of oxygen supply.
As per reports, the statement also stated that Walmart and the Walmart Foundation have also committed to funding an additional 2,500 oxygen concentrators as part of the US-India Business Council and US-India Strategic Partnership Forum’s joint relief effort.
Doug McMillon, President and CEO of Walmart Inc said, “Walmart is a global family. We feel the impact of this devastating surge on our associates, families and friends across India, and it’s important that we come together to support however we can.” “We are working hard to combine Walmart’s global capabilities and Flipkart’s distribution network to ensure vital oxygen and supplies are made available to those who need them most. Our hearts are with everyone in India,” McMillon added.
A total of about USD 1 million will be allocated through the Walmart Foundation Disaster Relief Fund, a donor-advised fund. The other USD 1 million will be allocated to GIVE Foundation Inc. to support GiveIndia’s Covid response fund. Walmart Canada will also support relief efforts through the Canadian Red Cross India Covid-19 Response Appeal, funding ambulance and transport services for patients, quarantine isolation centres and other services.
