Walmart Foundation Grant Supports Pee Dee Coalition

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October is designated as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Pee Dee Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Assault is pleased to announce that the Walmart Foundation and Walmart State Giving Advisory Council has made a $25,000 donation to the Coalition.

Pee Dee Coalition is a non-profit, volunteer organization dedicated to the reduction of sexual assault, family violence, and child abuse and to meeting the needs of victims. The Coalition primarily serves the seven counties in the Pee Dee Region of S.C:  Chesterfield, Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Marion, Marlboro, and Williamsburg. The Walmart gift will support the Coalition’s Domestic Violence Shelter and Community Victim services.

“Together, in an ever-changing world, we are making a difference as we are steadfast in our mission to stop domestic violence,” said Ellen C. Hamilton, Executive Director of the Coalition. “I thank Walmart for sharing its many resources that play a significant role in transforming many lives and supporting our desire to live in safe and productive communities and neighborhoods.”

Phillip Ingram, Walmart Distribution Center General Manager in Pageland said, "Walmart believes deeply in having a positive impact in the local communities in which we operate. We're particularly inspired by our associates’ contributions of their time and talent while volunteering and we take great pride in supporting the causes they're passionate about – The Pee Dee Coalition is one of those causes.”

“I know firsthand that the Coalition makes a difference in the lives of many women and children in the areas they serve,” said Ingram. “The people I’ve met in the organization are truly remarkable human beings dedicated to serving others in a caring, compassionate way. They save and change lives – I can’t imagine a better investment of anyone’s time and resources than to support this organization.” 

The Coalition opened its first shelter in more than 20 years ago and has been in operation ever since, providing more than 103,100 nights of shelter, 300,000 meals and services to 5,690 women and children.

In 2004, in response to the need of the rural communities of the upper Pee Dee Counties, the Coalition opened the New Beginnings Shelter.  In a peaceful rural setting, this facility has assisted a total of 843 women and children by providing more than 25,400 nights of shelter, 75,000 meals and comprehensive services.

For the third time in the last decade, South Carolina ranks second in the nation in the number of women murdered by men. Last year, the State ranked first. Violence against women is a problem that impacts society as a whole and has a lifelong effect on the women and children affected.  The Coalition is dedicated to meeting the needs of domestic violence victims and their children.

“The Coalition’s programs and services would not be possible without the financial and volunteer support provided by corporations like Walmart, said Hamilton. “Their commitment to support our work is another fine example of Walmart’s leadership and invaluable presence in South Carolina and beyond.”

In 2013, community giving in South Carolina from Walmart stores, Sam’s Clubs and the Walmart Foundation totaled $29.2 million.

About Pee Dee Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Assault Pee Dee Coalition is a member agency of United Way. Through its 24-hour crisis response system, advocates are available to assist victims. Satellite centers are located in every county so that victims have local access to services. The Coalition offers emergency safe shelter at two undisclosed locations so that women and children can flee their abusers and access safety and services rather than become homeless. The organization also addresses the long-term effects of domestic violence through treatment services for both the women and their children. Healing from the trauma of interpersonal violence victimization is essential to becoming healthy productive citizens. For free confidential assistance, call your County Crisis Satellite Center or the Coalition’s 24-hour crisis line at 1-843-669-4694 or1-800-273-1820.  Visit our website at www.PeeDeeCoalition.org  or find us on Facebook.

About Philanthropy at Walmart

Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are committed to helping people live better through philanthropic efforts that draw on the strengths of Walmart in the arenas of sustainability, economic opportunity, and community. As part of our commitment to creating a more sustainable food system worldwide, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are leading the fight against hunger in the United States. They recently exceeded a $2 billion goal to fight hunger one year ahead of schedule and have donated more than 1.5 billion pounds of food to those in need across the country. To learn more about Walmart’s giving, visit www.foundation.walmart.com.

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