ST. PAUL, Minn., Mar 02, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Ecolab Inc. today announced that a special matching gift program has
been established for Ecolab associates and retirees to help alleviate
hunger in the U.S.
The Ecolab Foundation has pledged a $250,000 challenge grant designated
for food and meal programs which, when matched by Ecolab associate and
retiree contributions, would represent a $500,000 grant for food
assistance in 2009. Since every donated dollar can buy $9 worth of
groceries, according to Second Harvest Heartland, the combined gifts
through this program -- Ecolab associates, retirees and the Ecolab
Foundation -- could effect the purchase of up to $4.5 million worth of
groceries. That would be enough to secure 18 million meals, and make a
significant impact for those who are struggling most.
"Clearly the need is great, and as a company with a strong history of
caring for the communities where Ecolab associates live and work, we are
proud to announce this program by the Ecolab Foundation," stated Douglas
M. Baker, Jr., Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ecolab.
The program, available to all U.S. Ecolab associates and retirees, will
accept donations to three of the Ecolab Foundation's community partners
who address hunger relief. The partners are Second Harvest Heartland,
which operates both locally and nationally, and Neighborhood House and
Dorothy Day Center, both of which operate in St. Paul, MN. Gifts will be
matched dollar for dollar, so every associate and retiree contribution
will be doubled to support these organizations.
"The recent economic conditions are very challenging, especially for
those individuals who were already struggling. Estimates are that
donations to local food shelves are currently down 30%, while visits
have increased by 60%. It is times like these that cause us to focus on
what we can do to help by giving of our time and resources," said Baker.
"This program, in addition to ongoing food drives throughout the year at
Ecolab locations around the U.S., will help ease some of the hardship in
our communities during this difficult time. We are excited that Ecolab
associates and the Ecolab Foundation can work together to help alleviate
hunger."
With sales of $6 billion and more than 26,000 associates, Ecolab Inc.
(NYSE: ECL) is the global leader in cleaning, sanitizing, food safety
and infection prevention products and services. Ecolab delivers
comprehensive programs and services to foodservice, food and beverage
processing, healthcare, and hospitality markets in more than 160
countries. More news and information is available at www.ecolab.com.
(ECL-C)
SOURCE: Ecolab Inc.
Ecolab Inc.
Kris Taylor, 651-293-2259
Copyright Business Wire 2009