Calling Wal-Mart "one of the great corporate citizens in this country," Mayor Bloomberg announced today that the big-box chain and cheesy ham and hashbrown retailer is donating $4 million to the city's Youth Employment Program, part of a $5 million surge that will create 3,400 jobs for the program. Hmm, but isn't this donation suspiciously timed? Bloomberg says: who cares? According to City Room, the mayor was asked during the press conference if the donation had anything to do with the retailer's full-court-press to open stores in New York City, to which he replied, “You’re telling me that your company’s philanthropy doesn’t look to see what is good for your company?”
Bloomberg then batted away a follow-up question to Wal-Mart spokesman Michelle Gilliard by saying, “She answered it. You’re just not listening.” Gilliard stated in a press release that the donation is merely a good deed from a company that cares: "For years, the Walmart Foundation has supported programs that strive to make a difference in the lives of New Yorkers." Now, we presume they'd like to "make a difference" by slashing prices on trampolines and putting folk out of business. Brooklyn BRP Marty Markowitz was more circumspect that the mayor: “This is a good, major first step." Indeed. Wal-Mart: we're holding out our support until everyone in New York City get's $1,000 (or $1,000 worth of Slim Jims.)
