Walmart offended by criticism of employee-oriented charity [View all]

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Source: UPI

A spokesman for U.S. retail giant Walmart said the company was "offended" that a charity for store employees was hit with criticism.

"This program was completely taken out of context. We are offended. This was an act of human kindness for our associates," said spokesman Brooke Buchanan referring to a bins placed in an employee-only area of a Canton, Ohio, store that asked for donations, "so Associates in Need can enjoy Thanksgiving dinner."

Buchanan said Walmart employees through the Associates in Critical Need Trust had donated $80 million to fellow-associates since 2001, USA Today reported Tuesday.

That program awards grants of up to $1,500 to associates facing tough times, including "homelessness or illness," the newspaper said.



Read more: http://www.upi.com/Business_News/2013/11/19/Walmart-offended-by-criticism-of-employee-oriented-charity/UPI-89421384875398/?spt=hts&or=8