Camp Sunshine Receives $55,000 from Wal-Mart Foundation to Support Retreat for Sick Children and Their Families

Grant will sponsor a free week-long session for 40 children with life-threatening illnesses and their families at Camp Sunshine

CASCO, Maine (December 7, 2009) - Camp Sunshine has received a $55,000 grant from the Wal-Mart Foundation to help more children with life-threatening illnesses and their families take part in its free weeklong camp experience.

The funds will be used to kick off Camp Sunshine's 2010 winter program by sponsoring a weeklong oncology session Feb. 12-16 for 40 sick children and their immediate families, providing them respite, support, joy and hope, said Matthew M. Hoidal, executive director of Camp Sunshine (www.campsunshine.org).

"To have the continued support and confidence from a company as philanthropic and successful as Wal-Mart is both humbling and a tremendous source of pride for us," Hoidal said.
Representatives from Wal-Mart presented the check to Camp Sunshine on Dec. 5 during a ceremony at the Casco, Maine retreat.

"The Wal-Mart Foundation is proud to support programs like Camp Sunshine that strengthen communities and provide individuals the opportunity to live better," said David Murray, Market Manager for Region 11, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

With the $55,000 grant from the Wal-Mart Foundation, Camp Sunshine has now received more than $150,000 in support from Wal-Mart and Sam's Clubs over the years.

Camp Sunshine offers families with a child diagnosed with diseases such as cancer, kidney disease, lupus, brain tumors, or other life-threatening illnesses week-long camp experiences free of charge. Because the strain of a life-threatening illness can be significant to the entire family, Camp Sunshine gives families the opportunity to rebuild their relationships, connect with others facing similar difficulties, and enjoy a week-long retreat packed with fun-filled events.

Located in Maine's pristine Sebago Lake region, Camp Sunshine holds distinction as the only program in the nation to focus on the entire family, not just the sick child. The year-round program is free of charge to all families, and includes 24-hour onsite medical and psychological support. Bereavement groups also are offered for families who have lost a child to an illness.

Founded in 1984, Camp Sunshine has provided a camp experience to more than 30,000 sick children, siblings and parents. Camp Sunshine is staffed primarily by volunteers, many of whom return year after year.

For more information about Camp Sunshine's programs, which now take place year-round, and to learn more about volunteering or making a donation, visit the camp's website at www.campsunshine.org, or call (207) 655-3800.

About Philanthropy at Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and the Wal-Mart Foundation are proud to support the charitable causes that are important to customers and associates in their own neighborhoods. Through its philanthropic programs and partnerships, the Wal-Mart Foundation funds initiatives focused on creating opportunities in education, workforce development, economic opportunity, environmental sustainability, and health and wellness. To learn more, visit www.walmartfoundation.org.

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Photo cutline:
From left, Matthew M. Hoidal, Executive Director of Camp Sunshine; David Murray, Market Manager for Wal-Mart; Melanie Wright, Market Fashion Merchandiser for Wal-Mart; Anna Gould, Camp Sunshine Founder; and Sherma Moody, Store Manager of the Wal-Mart in North Windham, Maine.

Here is more news and information about Camp Sunshine.