THE CENTER FOR OPERATION CONTINUITY SEEKS RISK PREVENTION FOR OUR ASSOCIATES AND CUSTOMERS ALIKE, GUARANTEEING CONTINUITY OF OPERATIONS IN CASES OF ACCIDENTS OR NATURAL DISASTERS.
We also have a Center for Emergency Assistance to assist and support associates and units who have been victims of some emergency situation. In 2016, we set aside 2.9 million pesos and assisted 278 associates. G4-EC3
In Mexico, throughout 2016 we assisted over 13,000 people affected by different natural disasters through the delivery of 31 tons of pantry baskets that included staple food products and basic items for affected communities; it was possible thanks to the revolving fund agreement for 5,000 baskets, by and between the Walmart Mexico Foundation and the Mexican Red Cross.
There were victims due to Hurricane Otto in Costa Rica, thus the Friendly Hands program was activated in our stores. Thanks to contributions from our customers, 108 tons of staple food products and basic need items to the National Commission on Emergencies and the Costa Rican Red Cross. We also made an in-kind donation of 1.6 million pesos to said Commission, emergency assistance agencies, the police department, and affected indigenous communities.