Wal-Mart Christmas Carol Concert to Feature Rick Warren
Wal-Mart and Sam's Club stores will feature their first-ever Christmas Carol Concert Friday morning, in partnership with The Salvation Army.
The concert will be aired across the country at 9:30 a.m. in all stores and locations of the giant retailer to get shoppers into the spirit of giving this season. A special Christmas message will be given by Pastor Rick Warren, author of The Purpose Driven Life.
"The holiday season is a time of reflection and togetherness, and a time for all of us to gather with loved ones and count our blessings," said Warren. "I hope the Christmas Carol Concert, and my special Christmas message, will make this season extra meaningful for all who watch it."
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Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. is continuing partnership with the well-known international Christian charity and its Christmas Red Kettle campaign this year. Red kettles and bell ringers have been set up outside Wal-Mart and Sam's Club locations to collect donations through Christmas Eve for communities in need. Last year, The Salvation Army collected more than $30 million from customers in front of the stores and clubs - accounting for 25 percent of total funds contributed to the organization and helping to assist more than 35 million people in need.
In November, Wal-Mart CEO Lee Scott presented the Army with a $1 million check on behalf of the Wal-Mart Foundation during the second annual "Bells Ringing Across America" event when associates at Wal-Mart stores and Sam's Clubs nationwide rang bells outside their locations.
Throughout the holiday season, The Salvation Army's local Brass Bands will perform special concerts at the retailer's locations throughout the holiday season.
Friday's Christmas Carol Concert will feature the Army's New York Staff Brass Band and the Wal-Mart associate choir.
"The Christmas Carol Concert is a way for us to celebrate the joy, goodwill and selflessness of the holiday season with our shoppers - and to showcase our continued support for the work of our friends at The Salvation Army," said Scott.
The broadcast will be available for online viewing following the broadcast at walmartchristmascarolconcert.com.
