Retail & Celebrity Charity News Week of December 1

Walmart Foundation Grants $12.5M Line To MLK Memorial

The Walmart Foundation announced a $12.5 million letter of credit to the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation, building on a $1 million donation made in 2005.  Walmart’s support will help the Memorial Foundation obtain a construction permit from the National Park Service and begin construction.  The memorial will be built on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., and will be completed in 2010. The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation’s fundraising goal is $120 million, $100 million of which has been raised to date.

Burger King Opens First In Czech Republic

Burger King announced the opening of its first restaurant in the Czech Republic, one step in the company’s European expansion strategy. There are 826 Burger King restaurants in Central and Eastern Europe, including locations in Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania, and Poland.

Overstock.com’s Family Bailout Package

On November 24, online retailer Overstock.com kicked off its Family Bailout Package contest, the winner of which will have up to $50,000 of debt paid off by the company directly to one or more qualified creditors.  The contest runs through December 22, and the winner will be announced on December 30.  While no purchase is required for eligibility, entrants are automatically submitted when purchasing items through Overstock.com.

Eco-Friendly Sock-a-thon

Organic sock manufacturer Devmir Inc. recently introduced a new line under the Sierra Club brand.  Made from natural organic and eco-friendly yarns, the socks are available in men’s and women’s sizes for performance, dress and casual wear styles. To celebrate the product launch, Devmir is hosting a Sock-a-thon during the holiday season, donating a pair of socks to the National Coalition for the Homeless for every pair purchased via www.sierraclubsocks.com.

Walmart Worker Trampled On Black Friday

Jdimytai Damour, a worker at the Valley Stream, NY Walmart store, died on November 28 after being trampled by an out-of-control mob of shoppers seeking Black Friday deals. Four shoppers, including a woman eight months pregnant, were also injured when the crowd of roughly 2,000 surged into the store as it opened at 5 a.m.

H&M To Launch Home Accessories Line

In recent days, Swedish retailer H&M announced a future collaboration with fashion designer Matthew Williamson and a new home accessories line. Once released in Europe, the home products will be available online and via mail order catalogue. Starting in February 2009, the products will be available in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Austria and the Netherlands. Items will be categorized by room and will include bed linens, towels and kitchen items.