July 21, 2007

RICHMOND, Va. –Relief for seniors trying to beat the summer heat came today to Central Virginia.

Dominion, Wal-Mart and the Virginia Department for the Aging distributed about 100 fans to seniors in need during an on-site screening at the Wal-Mart Supercenter on Brook Road in Richmond.  The second annual event was part of the Fan Care program that provides one free fan to elderly Virginians who live within Dominion’s service area and meet eligibility requirements.

"We all need to be sensitive to the needs of our seniors," said Eva T. Hardy, executive vice president-External Affairs & Corporate Communications.  "That’s why Dominion and Wal-Mart are continuing to explore new ways to make sure Fan Care benefits those in our senior population in need."

Fan Care is a statewide public-private partnership. With a $50,000 grant from Dominion, area Agencies on Aging purchase and distribute discounted fans provided by Wal-Mart stores. The discount enables more seniors to be served by the program. Wal-Mart donated an additional 200 fans to the program for Saturday’s event. "Wal-Mart is excited to be a part of Fan Care and contribute to Richmond area seniors in need," said Jeff Krauss, Market Manager for Wal-Mart Stores Inc.

"Wal-Mart believes in giving back to the unique needs of each community we call home."

Last summer more than 1,400 Virginia seniors in need received fans through the Fan Care program.

"It is important that seniors know what programs are available to them," said Kathy Miller, director of Long Term Care-VDA.  "The on-site screening was a great way to reach additional seniors in the Richmond area who needed help staying cool this summer."

Local Area Agencies on Aging administer Fan Care by screening applicants and distributing fans. If you know of someone who may qualify, contact the Virginia Department for the Aging at 1-800-552-3402.

During these hottest days of summer, Dominion and Wal-Mart urge all residents — especially older adults and young children — to take precautions when going out in the heat and to limit outdoor activities. To stay safe in extremely high temperatures:

• Avoid strenuous outdoor activity. If you must work outside, take frequent breaks and drink plenty of fluids. Do not wait until you are thirsty.
• Stay indoors in a cool place, especially during the afternoon when temperatures are highest.
• If you must go outdoors, wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.  Try to wear natural products such as cotton and avoid synthetics.
• Be especially sensitive to pets, allowing them to stay inside when possible and keep them hydrated with plenty of water.

About Dominion
Dominion (NYSE: D) is one of the nation's largest producers of energy, with an energy portfolio of about 28,100 megawatts of generation. Dominion also serves retail energy customers in nine states. For more information about Dominion, visit the company's Web site at www.dom.com.

About Wal-Mart Stores Inc.
Every week, more than 127 million customers visit Wal-Mart Stores, Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets, and Sam’s Club locations across America or log on to its online store at www.walmart.com. The company and its Foundation are committed to a philosophy of giving back locally. Wal-Mart (NYSE: WMT) is proud to support the causes that are important to customers and associates right in their own neighborhoods, and last year gave more than $245 million to local communities in the United States. To learn more, visit www.walmartfacts.com, www.walmartstores.com, or www.walmartfoundation.org.

About VDA
The Virginia Department for the Aging (VDA) is the designated State Unit on Aging for Virginia.  The Department's objective is to help Virginians find the information and services they need to lead healthy and independent lives as they grow older.  Our mission is to foster the dignity, independence, and security of older Virginians by promoting partnerships with families and communities. The Department's objective is to help Virginians find the information and services they need to lead healthy and independent lives as they grow older.  Our mission is to foster the dignity, independence, and security of older Virginians by promoting partnerships with families and communities. Visit the VDA website at www.vda.virginia.gov/.

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