Valspar Celebrates Donation of 1 Million Gallons of Paint to Habitat for Humanity International

MINNEAPOLIS, Sept. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- The Valspar Corporation and Habitat for Humanity International marked their long-standing relationship yesterday with a festive ceremony celebrating the 1 millionth gallon of paint Valspar has donated to Habitat.  To represent this milestone, the partnering organizations unveiled a two-story home built entirely of Valspar paint cans. Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak and St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman attended the ceremony and paid tribute to the organizations' ongoing commitment and work in the Twin Cities and across the country.

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"Our corporate theme is 'if it matters, we're on it.'  Through our wonderful relationship with Habitat for Humanity International, we continue to learn just how much affordable housing matters, and it is our great pleasure to help address this important need," said William L. Mansfield, Valspar Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.  "We are also very proud that A Brush with Kindness, a pilot effort that started right here in the Twin Cities, is now a national program."

"One million gallons of paint is an important milestone, but what we're really celebrating today is how our partnership with Habitat for Humanity has allowed Valspar the unique opportunity to transform neighborhoods, by putting fresh coats of paint on homes," agreed Gary E. Hendrickson, Valspar President and Chief Operating Officer.

"As we seek to build strong communities, we find that together new construction, rehabs, repairs and even a coat of paint on some houses can improve neighborhoods," said Mark Crozet, senior vice president of Resource Development for Habitat for Humanity International.  "Valspar is a great partner in helping us touch all the houses in neighborhoods where we are focusing on revitalization.  We are very grateful for their support."

Valspar's support for Habitat began in 1979, when it first provided paint and services to Habitat for Humanity Twin Cities. In time, Valspar and Twin Cities Habitat founded A Brush with Kindness, a revitalization program that helps transform neighborhoods by painting home exteriors and providing landscaping and minor home repairs – tasks that can be difficult for low-income, disabled or senior homeowners.  

In 2008, the Valspar Foundation committed financial support to help Habitat for Humanity International build the A Brush with Kindness program into a nationwide program. Currently, more than 225 Habitat affiliates have initiated the program in their communities.

Valspar has been a national partner of Habitat for Humanity International since 2002 and, by 2012 will have donated more than $45 million in paint and cash.

About Valspar Corporation

The Valspar Corporation (NYSE: VAL) is a global leader in the paint and coatings industry. Since 1806, Valspar has been dedicated to bringing customers the latest innovations, the finest quality and the best customer service in the coatings industry. For more information, visit www.valsparglobal.com.

About Habitat for Humanity International

Habitat for Humanity International is an ecumenical Christian ministry that welcomes to its work all people dedicated to the cause of eliminating poverty housing. Since its founding in 1976, Habitat has built, rehabilitated, repaired or improved more than 350,000 houses worldwide, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than 1.75 million people. For more information, or to donate or volunteer, visit www.habitat.org.

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SOURCE Valspar Corporation