Red Cross Thanks Target Corporation with Top Award

Circle of Humanitarians given for hurricane relief and ongoing support

WASHINGTON, Monday, December 13, 2004 — This week, American Red Cross President and CEO Marty Evans presented the organization’s highest financial support honor , the Circle of Humanitarians, to Target Corporation. Accepting on behalf of Target was Vice President of the Target Foundation and Community Relations, Laysha Ward. The award recognizes Target’s financial and in-kind support of Red Cross hurricane relief efforts and the decade-long relationship that exists between Target Corporation and the community-based organization.

Throughout the 2004 hurricane season, Target proved to be a top Red Cross supporter by donating $500,000 to the unprecedented hurricane relief efforts and providing budget-reducing donations of supplies. These generous gifts were made in addition to Target’s annual commitment of $400,000 to the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, through its membership in the organization’s Annual Disaster Giving Program. Target’s annual contribution helps provide a stable source of funding to respond immediately to disasters nationwide.

In addition to Target’s consistent offers of financial and in-kind donation support, the Red Cross and Target are exploring nationwide volunteer opportunities to help support Red Cross volunteer needs and answer Target employees’ call for volunteer opportunities. Target has demonstrated its support of other Red Cross programs by funding the Red Cross’ Armed Forces Emergency Services program with a $100,000 donation, and contributing $1 million to the national headquarters and local chapters through a cause marketing promotion with Warner Home Video and the hit TV show “Friends.”

“The American Red Cross relies on Target as an essential partner to be there for us, both during times of disaster and year-round. Through generous financial commitments and support of chapters nationwide, Target furthers the humanitarian mission of the Red Cross,” said Evans. “The Red Cross and those we serve are grateful for Target’s involvement, and we look forward to many years in which the creative individuals at Target and the Red Cross will find innovative ways to help save lives together, in communities across the country.”

Target’s support is also evident in its strong relationship with the American Red Cross Minneapolis Area chapter. With initial funding of $150,000 in 2001, Target helped launch the chapter’s Safety Mobile program. The Safety Mobile is a special vehicle that travels to schools and neighborhood centers, teaching children important safety lessons. Target continues to fund the program with an annual gift of $50,000. Volunteers from Target are the mainstay of the Safety Mobile, making presentations and events possible and reaching approximately 9,000 children throughout the year.

“This award reflects the incredible partnership between the Red Cross and Target, and illustrates Target’s commitment to supporting the Red Cross financially, logistically and programmatically,” said Ward. “On behalf of Target, I am honored to receive this special award.”

Governed by volunteers and supported by community donations, the American Red Cross is a nationwide network of nearly 900 field units dedicated to saving lives and helping people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Led by 1 million volunteers and 36,000 employees, the Red Cross annually mobilizes relief to families affected by more than 70,000 disasters, trains almost 12 million people in lifesaving skills and keeps U.S. military families connected worldwide. The Red Cross is the largest supplier of blood and blood products to more than 3,000 hospitals across the nation and also assists victims of international disasters and conflicts at locations worldwide. Marsha J. Evans is the President and CEO of the American Red Cross.