Walmart

Calypso Communications Public Relations Expertise Helps Wal-Mart’s Public Image through Non-Profit Partnership

THINK

Wal-Mart has pledged to operate globally and give back locally. With newly formed State-Giving budgets, the company was looking to provide assistance to a worthwhile cause in New Hampshire. Calypso recommended a partnership with the NH Food Bank who was launching its new statewide Backpack Program, aimed at providing nutritious snacks and educational materials to at-risk children. Calypso designed and implemented a statewide public relations program for Wal-Mart and the NH Food Back to trumpet the partnership and kick off this worthy cause.

CREATE

Calypso formed a solid relationship between donor and recipient. Calypso used its depth of experience in reaching targeted audiences, writing compelling press collateral, attracting local officials and utilizing resources in the media to generate results for its clients. The two-part PR campaign highlighted the involvement of both parties and effectively built public awareness around the problem of hunger in the State of New Hampshire.

DELIVER

Calypso paired Wal-Mart’s desire for local outreach with the NH Food Bank’s need for Backpack Program funding. The program, which started in September and will continue throughout the 2008-2009 school year, was officially launched by the $80,000 Wal-Mart donation . The resulting campaign received widespread media and broadcast attention as well as a nod from Manchester Mayor Frank Guinta. Nearly a dozen media outlets ran the story, including broadcast segments on WMUR-TV and WOKQ radio. Feedback and interest by the press, schools, and agencies working with the kids has been fervent, with anticipation for a second event next fall.