Midland, MI - September 02, 2005
The Dow Chemical Company is providing details on how retirees and employees can voluntarily contribute donations to a matching gift fund to aid those affected by Hurricane Katrina along the U.S. Gulf Coast.
The company announced earlier this week that it will contribute up to $3 million in aid. This includes a $1 million cash contribution to the American Red Cross Hurricanes 2005 Fund, which is dedicated to providing immediate, vital help to the victims in need. Additionally, Dow will donate up to $1 million to match individual voluntary contributions to the American Red Cross Hurricanes 2005 Fund or to Qualifying Charitable Organizations* for Hurricane Katrina relief from Dow** employees and retirees around the world.
"As reports of the devastation from this storm continue to develop, we are all compelled to do whatever we can to help," commented Andrew Liveris, president and CEO. "Our immediate concern, of course, is for employees and their families in the region, but it quickly extends to all of those people who are suffering through this devastating event. Once again, we turn to the Red Cross as the primary agency to receive our monetary support to provide immediate, vital help to the people in need, and urge our employees to also direct their donations there.
"Dow is pleased to provide this matching gift opportunity," said Bo Miller, director of Corporate Contributions. "We've heard very positive comments from employees and retirees who are eager to participate."
Details for the matching program, which begins today and concludes on September 30, 2005, are below. Employees and retirees can participate in one of three ways: on-line, mail or telephone.
- On-line. Employees may access links on the company's intranet. This is the preferred method of donation as it will ensure that donations get to the affected areas as soon as possible. Retirees can find additional information at www.dowfriends.com.
- Mail. Checks should be made payable to American Red Cross Hurricanes 2005 Fund and sent to The Dow Chemical Company, c/o The American Red Cross, 220 W. Main Street, Suite 104, Midland, MI 48640. On the memo field, please indicate "Hurricane KatrinaRelief."
- Telephone. To process a donation by phone, call 989-631-3262 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. EST. Credit card method of payment is required for this option.
"Our objective is to make this program, while strictly voluntary, as open and easy to use as possible," said Miller. He noted that all donation information will be collected and controlled by the American Red Cross. Individual donation amounts will be kept confidential.
Dow is a leader in science and technology, providing innovative chemical, plastic and agricultural products and services to many essential consumer markets. With annual sales of $40 billion, Dow serves customers in 175 countries and a wide range of markets that are vital to human progress: food, transportation, health and medicine, personal and home care, and building and construction, among others. Committed to the principles of sustainable development, Dow and its 43,000 employees seek to balance economic, environmental and social responsibilities. References to "Dow" or the "Company" mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted.
For Editorial Information:
Terri McNeill
The Dow Chemical Company
(989) 636-0626
