San Diego CA– Walmart presented the San Diego River Park Foundation with a $5,000 grant to help further its work to conserve the San Diego River’s ecological, cultural and recreational resources through long-term stewardship of the land, water and wildlife. Funds from this grant will be used for programs aimed at connecting people to the San Diego River, such as site-based learning programs for children in grades K-8, and empowering the community to care for and celebrate the historic River.
“We are delighted that Walmart has chosen to support our commitment to protect the River through conservation and stewardship,” said Rob Hutsel, executive director of the San Diego River Park Foundation. “This donation will contribute to projects that will secure the future of the River for the coming generations.”
The San Diego River Park Foundation was founded in 2001 to create a better quality of life for San Diegans through the creation of a 52-mile river-long system and by restoring the health of the important waterway. The Foundation increased awareness of the River as a valuable ecological and recreational resource.
“We are excited to support the San Diego River Park Foundation and its efforts to beautify and conserve the area along the river for use by local communities,” said Santee store manager Tina Hertenstein. “Walmart is always proud to partner with organizations like the San Diego River Park Foundation that are committed to environmental sustainability and bettering the lives of families in San Diego.”
The grant presentation ceremony took place at a cleanup at Mast Park near the Walmart store in Santee. Santee Vice Mayor Rob McNelis commended Walmart for its support of the organization and the organization for its work in improving and maintaining open space in Santee.
“I am pleased to be here today to recognize the work of the San Diego River Park Foundation and Walmart to help beautify Santee,” said Vice Mayor Rob McNelis. “This donation attests to Walmart’s willingness to continually give back to the causes that benefit the communities it serves.”
This grant is part of Walmart’s greater efforts to support organizations dedicated to environmental sustainability with a focus on helping people understand how families and communities can live better by using fewer natural resources.

About The San Diego River Park Foundation

The San Diego River Park Foundation’s mission is to engage people to work toward a better future for the historic San Diego River and the creation of a 52 mile river parkway from the mountains to the ocean. The River Park Foundation is a non-profit community-based organization that was founded in 2001. Since its founding, it has grown to more than 20,000 supporters and annually organizes volunteers who contribute more than 25,000 hours of service to San Diego. To learn more, visit www.sandiegoriver.org.

About Philanthropy at Walmart

Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are committed to helping people live better through philanthropic efforts. By operating globally and giving back locally, Walmart is uniquely positioned to address the needs of the communities it serves and make a significant social impact within its core areas of giving: Hunger Relief & Healthy Eating, Sustainability, Career Opportunity and Women’s Economic Empowerment. Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are leading the fight against hunger in the United States with a $2 billion commitment through 2015. Walmart has donated more than 1 billion meals to those in need across the country. To learn more about Walmart’s giving, visit foundation.walmart.com.