G.I. Joe's Stores and Its Customers Donate Over $56,000 to Support Tsunami Disaster Relief Efforts

WILSONVILLE, Ore., Feb. 10, 2005 -- Northwest Medical Teams, Mercy Corps and the American Red Cross will realize the generosity of G.I. Joe's customers who donated $36,153 at G.I. Joe's stores in Oregon and Washington. G.I. Joe's agreed to match their customers' donations to the amount of $20,000, bringing the total fund raising to $56,153.

100% of the funds raised are earmarked for relief efforts for victims of the December 26th tsunami that devastated Southeast Asia. The money will be divided equally, with $18,718 going to each of the three relief organizations.

"The generosity of Northwest residents and our customers in particular was phenomenal," said Norm Daniels, President and CEO of G.I. Joe's stores. "From the minute we announced the effort, donations were made by individuals, organizations and schools. An anonymous donor gave us $5,000." Daniels added that once again Americans reached deep into their own pockets to provide help to those who need help now.

The fund raising effort began in early January and ended January 31st. Customers made donations at G.I. Joe's through the cashiers and were issued a printed receipt for each donation.

"We are so appreciative to G.I. Joe's for making it easy for customers to donate, and for generously contributing $20,000 in matching funds," said Bert Kile, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Oregon Trail Chapter. "Humanitarian organizations are able to provide relief from disasters thanks in large part to support from businesses and communities."

G.I. Joe's is a closely held retail chain of 22 full-line sports & auto stores in Oregon and Washington. Projected sales for 2005 are approximately $210 million.