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Habitat & Lowe's to Aid Tsunami Victims

Habitat & Lowe's to Aid Tsunami Victims

Published 01-18-05

Submitted by Lowe's Companies, Inc.

AMERICUS, GA - Known for efforts to provide affordable housing around the globe, Habitat for Humanity International announces its largest operation to date - an approximate $25-million drive to provide approximately 25,000 transitional houses over the next two years for thousands of families left homeless by the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami on Dec. 26, 2004.

As part of this monumental undertaking, Habitat's national partner in the United States, Lowe's, has pledged a commitment of up to $1 million, including the cost of building at least 200 new homes in Sri Lanka and a customer donation match in all of its more than 1,050 home improvement retail stores across the country.

"Lowe's is proud to extend our partnership with Habitat to its efforts in bringing long-term housing solutions to the thousands left homeless by this disaster," said Larry D. Stone, chairman of the Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation. "Our business is about helping people improve their homes, and as one of the world's leading retailers, we're proud to take a leadership role in a global cause that is important to us, our customers and our employees."

Starting today, all Lowe's home improvement retail stores will serve as official cash donation sites for Habitat's Tsunami Relief initiative. In-store donations will be accepted now through Feb. 21. Donations may also be made online by visiting Lowes.com or Lowes.com/habitat. Online donations made by visiting the Lowe's web site will also be eligible for matching funds.

"While the current focus is on meeting the immediate needs of those left homeless with food, clean water and medicine, we stress to people that there must be a long-term solution to rebuilding this region," said Paul Leonard, chief executive officer, Habitat for Humanity. "Every gift is important, every gift will make a difference. The average home in Sri Lanka costs $1,600 and even a small donation can go a long way in putting a roof over a family's head, a family that has lost everything."

Habitat for Humanity has an active presence in six of the countries impacted by the tsunami including Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, Malaysia and Bangladesh.

Lowe's is the national underwriter of Habitat's Women Build program, and supports scores of local Habitat projects across the country. The company is one of the premier sponsors of the 2005 Jimmy Carter Work Project, which will build more than 230 houses in Michigan this June.

ABOUT LOWE'S:
Lowe's (NYSE: LOW) 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, a FORTUNE(R) 50 company with fiscal year 2003 sales of $30.8 billion, has more than 1,050 stores in 46 states. For more information, visit Lowes.com/community.

ABOUT HABITAT FOR HUMANITY INTERNATIONAL:
Habitat for Humanity International, based in Americus, GA, is a 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 and are buying through no-profit, zero-interest mortgages. www.habitat.org.

Lowe's Companies, Inc. logo

Lowe's Companies, Inc.

Lowe's Companies, Inc.

Lowe's (NYSE: LOW) 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, a FORTUNE(R) 50 company with fiscal year 2003 sales of $30.8 billion, has more than 1,050 stores in 46 states.

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