A tragedy of this magnitude calls for the assistance of able individuals and organizations
Jeff M. Fettig, Chairman, President and CEO, Whirlpool

Whirlpool Corporation announced that it is donating up to $1 million in cash, products and services to Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. Products to be donated include refrigerators, clothes washers and dryers, all urgently needed by relief centers throughout the Gulf Coast.

The Whirlpool Foundation has already begun matching employee contributions to support the relief efforts. "The employees of Whirlpool Corporation have always been generous in reaching out to help others during times of need," said Jeff M. Fettig, Whirlpool's chairman, president and chief executive officer.

The funds raised will go to the American Red Cross to support the approximately 250 shelters across the Gulf that will house the victims in the months ahead, as well as the 15 emergency kitchens capable of feeding 350,000 people.

"A tragedy of this magnitude calls for the assistance of able individuals and organizations," added Fettig. "As a company, we are grateful to help relief efforts in the most fitting way possible."

Whirlpool will make an immediate cash contribution of $250,000 to the American Red Cross. The first shipment of washers and dryers is expected to arrive at Houston's Astrodome over the weekend. Additional shipments to other relief centers will follow shortly as directed by emergency relief agencies.