Total more than doubles initial pledge; will build homes for 1,276 families
AMERICUS, Ga., Feb. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Lowe's, which pledged $1 million
toward Habitat for Humanity International's tsunami relief fund, more than
doubled its pledge, collecting and contributing more than $2 million to the
rebuilding effort. The $2, 042,038 total is nearly 10 percent of the more than
$22 million that has been donated to Habitat since the Dec. 26 tsunami struck
the Indian Ocean basin.
"What incredible demonstrations of generosity and commitment to our work,
by Lowe's and by Lowe's customers," said Paul Leonard, chief executive officer
of Habitat for Humanity International. "Two million dollars. That will build
1,276 homes, providing safe and decent shelter for more than 6,300 people. But
more than that, the money is not only helping rebuild homes, it's truly
helping rebuild lives shattered beyond imagination by the tsunami."
Lowe's initially pledged to fund construction of 200 homes, then to match
customer donations, for a total company contribution of $1 million. Over a
five-week period, Lowe's customers and employees donated in-store and online,
and the result, including matching funds, was a more than $2-million gift.
"We are thrilled that we have been able to exceed our goal for Habitat for
Humanity," said Larry D. Stone, chair of the Lowe's Charitable and Educational
Foundation. "We would especially like to thank our Lowe's customers, whose
enormous outpouring of donations, have helped provide housing to the thousands
left homeless by this disaster."
Lowe's gift is a key piece of Habitat's two-year rebuilding effort in Sri
Lanka, Indonesia, Thailand and India. Over the next two years, Habitat plans
to build 25,000 transitional houses - small permanent homes that get families
out of the overcrowded, disease-ridden camps - which will be expanded into
larger homes following the initial program. A goal of $25 million was set for
the effort, but Leonard said that Habitat for Humanity will continue to accept
donations for tsunami relief as long as people wish to give.
"Habitat has worked in the region for a number of years and there are many
families there who need our help now and will need us far into the future.
Lowe's gift, along with others and the traditional donations we receive to
build houses in the region, give us the resources we need to provide the long-
term relief that we know will be needed."
About Lowe's
Lowe's is a proud supporter of Habitat for Humanity International,
American Red Cross, United Way of America, and the Home Safety Council, in
addition to numerous non-profit organizations and programs that help
communities across the country. Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation
awards more than $3 million annually to diverse organizations across the
United States. Lowe's also encourages volunteerism through the Lowe's Heroes
program, a company-wide employee volunteer program aimed at preventing
unintentional home injuries. Lowe's is a FORTUNE(R) 50 company with more than
1,075 stores in 48 states. For more information, visit Lowes.com/community .
About Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity International, based in Americus, Ga., is an
ecumenical Christian ministry dedicated to eliminating poverty housing. By the
end of 2005, Habitat will have built its 200,000th house and more than one
million people will be living in Habitat homes they helped build.
http://www.habitat.org
SOURCE Habitat for Humanity International
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Related links:
http://www.habitat.org
http://www.Lowes.com/community
CONTACT:
Joedy Isert of Habitat for Humanity
International, +1-229-924-6935, ext. 2330, or jisert@hfhi.org
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