Valspar Increases Annual Support of Habitat for Humanity with $19 Million Commitment

USA - English

New commitment takes paint and cash donations from $5 million per year to more than $6 million per year through 2014

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Mar 12, 2012, 10:00 ET

MINNEAPOLIS, March 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Habitat for Humanity International announced today The Valspar Corporation Foundation has extended its long-standing relationship with Habitat with a three-year commitment totaling more than $19 million in cash and paint donations. The Valspar Foundation will continue to provide paint to Habitat affiliates across the United States and financial support for Habitat's A Brush With Kindness program.

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"In these challenging economic times, Valspar and its employees are deeply committed to Habitat and its mission of providing simple, decent, affordable housing for families facing difficult circumstances," said Gary E. Hendrickson, Valspar president and chief executive officer. "We take great pride in knowing that our products and application expertise have helped improve the quality of life for people in communities across the country. We are honored to be Habitat's national paint partner, and we look forward to continuing our work together."

With this new commitment, Valspar has increased its support of Habitat's mission from $5 million annually to more than $6 million per year through 2014. By this time, the Valspar Foundation's paint and cash partnership with Habitat for Humanity International will reach nearly $60 million.

The Valspar Foundation and Habitat for Humanity International launched their national partnership in 2002, but Valspar's support for Habitat began in the mid-1980s, when it first provided paint and services to Habitat for Humanity Twin Cities. In addition, Valspar and the Twin Cities Habitat affiliate 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. Four hundred Habitat affiliates have initiated A Brush With Kindness in their communities.

"We are deeply grateful for Valspar's level of commitment to Habitat for Humanity and the neighborhoods and communities we serve," said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. "Valspar's donations of paint and support of A Brush with Kindness helps Habitat serve even more families in need of simple, decent affordable housing. "

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 a global nonprofit Christian housing organization that seeks to put God's love into action by bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope. Since 1976, Habitat has served more than 500,000 families by welcoming people of all races, religions and nationalities to construct, rehabilitate or preserve homes; by advocating for fair and just housing policies; and by providing training and access to resources to help families improve their shelter conditions. For more information, to donate or to volunteer, please visit www.habitat.org, or follow us at www.facebook.com/habitat or at www.twitter.com/habitat_org or join Habitat's blog community at www.habitat.org/blog.

SOURCE Habitat for Humanity International