Wednesday, September 07, 2005

WASHINGTON, Saturday, September 03, 2005 — Beaverton, Ore. (August 31, 2005) – Nike, Inc., today announced it is donating $500,000 in immediate aid to the American Red Cross.

"Hurricane Katrina’s damage to Mississippi, Alabama, New Orleans and broader Louisiana is devastating," said William D. Perez, President and CEO of Nike, Inc. "The American Red Cross said they need cash most immediately to help provide victims of the storm with food, water, and medical supplies that are being shipped in by boat. We are committed to helping now and with rebuilding efforts going forward."

Impact to Nike Operations:

Nike Inc. has four factory outlet stores in the affected area of Hurricane Katrina, including stores in Gulfport, Mississippi; Foley, Alabama; Destin, Florida; and Commerce Georgia. The store in Gulfport, Mississippi remains structurally intact but closed due to water and roof damage. All other stores are open and operational. At present time, Nike is not aware of any casualties to Nike employees, but is in the process of contacting employees in the Gulfport area, which is experiencing severe telecommunications outages due to the storm.

Nike employees have been inquiring about how to help with relief efforts. Nike is encouraging employees to make immediate cash donations to the American Red Cross through Nike’s employee gift match or directly to the American Red Cross at:

American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund
PO Box 37243
Washington, DC 20013
The company is also posting updates daily to employees and soliciting input from employees on ideas for further response in the region, including gathering product for donations.

About Nike, Inc.
NIKE, Inc. based in Beaverton, Oregon is the world's leading designer, marketer and distributor of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories for a wide variety of sports and fitness activities. Wholly owned Nike subsidiaries include Converse Inc., which designs, markets and distributes athletic footwear, apparel and accessories; Bauer NIKE Hockey Inc., a leading designer and distributor of hockey equipment; Cole Haan(R), which designs, markets, and distributes fine dress and casual shoes and accessories; Hurley International LLC, which designs, markets and distributes action sports and youth lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories and Exeter Brands Group LLC, which designs and markets athletic footwear and apparel for the value retail channel.