CARPET ONE DEMONSTRATES THE “POWER OF ONE” WITH NATIONWIDE CAMPAIGN TO RAISE FUNDS ON A LOCAL LEVEL

Floor Covering Industry Leader Continues to Support Breast Cancer Awareness this Fall

October 7, 2005
CCA Global Partners

MANCHESTER, NH (October 1, 2005) – In the fall of 2004, Carpet One developed an extraordinary community relations campaign to support breast cancer research and awareness through the American Cancer Society and the Canadian Cancer Society. Because of its unique cooperative structure that celebrates individual Carpet One retailers, the company determined that funds raised by a store should go directly to that store’s local American Cancer Society Division or Canadian Cancer Society community office.

Carpet One stores were excited to have the opportunity to donate twenty-five percent from all sales of specially designed welcome mats, exclusive to Carpet One, during the Fall 2004 and Spring 2005 “Carpet One Welcomes Your Support” campaigns.

With the combined strength of over 750 retailers throughout North America, Carpet One raised more than $250,000 for breast cancer research and awareness during the two powerful campaigns. These funds were distributed to local American Cancer Society Divisions and Canadian Cancer Society community offices. This October, during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and throughout November and December, Carpet One stores will once again be participating in this campaign, with the goal of surpassing the total donation for last year.

Carpet One will introduce four new designs this fall, featuring nature-inspired colors and themes of the season. Many stores will also offer a special holiday design. A pink ribbon, the internationally-recognized symbol for breast cancer awareness, will also appear on each mat.

“It’s really amazing that we can make such a significant impact by joining together to support one cause,” said Evan Hackel, President of Carpet One. “Carpet One retailers have put a lot of effort into this campaign during the past year because breast cancer awareness is something that we all truly care about. We’re looking forward to the upcoming year – I think it will be an even greater success!”

Charlie Dilks, COO of Carpet One and President of Carpet One Canada, added, “It’s wonderful that Carpet One has partnered with both the American Cancer Society and the Canadian Cancer Society. Carpet One’s Canadian retailers have been very enthusiastic about supporting this cause and we’re looking forward to another successful campaign!”

According to the American Cancer Society, in addition to raising necessary funding, Carpet One is increasing consumer awareness of breast cancer by delivering important health messages to its customers.

“Thanks to the efforts of Carpet One, we have been able to not only further vital breast cancer initiatives nationwide and in the communities we serve, but we have been able to distribute thousands of informational brochures to help people understand what they can do to help themselves and their loved ones in the fight against breast cancer," says Angela Geiger, vice president of corporate initiatives for the American Cancer Society. Consumers Can Redecorate Their Entryway, Porch or Deck and Donate to a Great Cause at the Same Time Consumers can purchase these stylish welcome mats to give new life to their entryway, porch or deck this fall, while also supporting breast cancer awareness. The new fall designs, exclusively created for Carpet One stores, make a wonderful housewarming gift or seasonal addition to the home.

Carpet One stores will offer the following five designs, each emblazoned with a pink ribbon paired with distinctive fall themes and tones.