For Immediate Release
December 26, 2008

Contact:
Philip H. Serghini, Senior Manager, Public Affairs & Government Relations, Wal-Mart
(212) 533-2186
Jim Wilkins, Director of Development, Community Concepts jwilkins@community-concepts.org
E-mail: philip.serghini@wal-mart.com
Web Site: http://www.walmartstores.com

AUBURN, Maine – The Wal-Mart Foundation has awarded a $10,000 grant to Community Concepts for its Elder Rides Program.

The program uses more than 375 volunteer drivers to transport non-Medicaid older adults to critical and preventative medical appointments such as kidney dialysis, chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

There is currently no state or federal funding available for this population to obtain the medical treatment they deserve.

“Wal-Mart’s recognition of our mission to keep people healthy and allow quality of life for our citizens is deeply appreciated,” said Koriene Low, the Director of Transportation Services for Community Concepts. “This grant will go to those consumers who, if not for these funds, would lose dignity, independence, quality of life and, in some cases, life itself. Our kidney dialysis patients must be seen a minimum of three times weekly. In rural Maine, that trip is usually over 30 miles away. One missed appointment may result in hospital admission and diminished organ function. Community Concepts honors Wal-Mart’s recognition on behalf of our consumers who will enjoy healthier lives and continued independence.”

“Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club recognize the important work being done by Community Concepts and are pleased to provide funding to this valuable program. In a rural state like Maine, dependable transportation makes a huge difference in the lives of elderly people with medical needs,” said Philip Serghini, Senior Manager for Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

The grant was made possible through the Wal-Mart Foundation’s State Giving Program. Through this program, the Wal-Mart Foundation awards grants at the state and regional levels to support unmet needs in areas of focus such as: Education, Job Skills Training, Environmental Sustainability and Health. For more information, please visit: www.walmartstores.com.

Community Concepts (www.community-concepts.org) is a non-profit Community Action Agency, incorporated in 1965, that serves children, families and seniors in Androscoggin, Franklin and Oxford Counties in Maine with services such as Head Start, Child Care Referral Resource Centers, Counseling Services, Parenting Classes, Home Ownership Programs, Home Repair Programs, Home Energy Assistance Programs (LIHEAP), and Transportation Services.

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