Employees at Wal-Mart stores across the country will take part in a week of community service activities as the company extends its Corporate Service Responsibility in 36 cities from Saturday.

During the week, 20 employees from each Wal-Mart China store will visit old people's homes and social welfare centers, provide voluntary work to disabled persons and plant trees.

"Repaying local communities is part of Wal-Mart China's social responsibility, and as a member of the community, Wal-Mart stores will be doing their bit for community development," Ed Chan, newly appointed president and CEO of Wal-Mart China, which has its headquarters and 12 stores in Shenzhen.

"Each of Wal-Mart's stores has clear and detailed community service plans and the initiation of the service week, the second week of March each year, will help implement those plans in a systematic way," said Chan, who is responsible for Wal-Mart China's 73-strong retail operation which employs more than 37,000 staff.

As an outstanding corporate citizen, Wal-Mart China actively participates in environmental protection, community service, education support, childcare and relief aids, Chen said at the launch ceremony.

Wal-Mart entered China in 1996 when its first supercenter opened in the city. The company has donated funds to local charities and welfare organizations over the past 10 years.

Editor: Donald