January 6, 2005

People's Bank And The American Red Cross Partner To Help Those Suffering Following The Recent Tsunami

Bridgeport, Conn. - People's Bank and the American Red Cross are partnering to help Connecticut residents help those suffering following the recent tsunami. Those wishing to make donations to the Red Cross's International Response Fund can do so, from Jan 7 to the 28th, at any of People's 155 branches, including its 65 Stop & Shop locations open seven days a week.

"The American Red Cross with its international network of sister societies is uniquely prepared to respond to this type of widespread natural disaster," said Barbara P. Johnson, senior vice president, Corporate Community Relations at People's Bank, explaining People's decision to partner with the Red Cross to help those in need. "The American Red Cross maintains a specially-trained team of relief workers experienced with responding to disasters of this nature."

"The Red Cross is privileged to be the recipient of so much caring and concern by Americans who want to help, and grateful for the partnership in caring that we have established with People's Bank," said Dianne Auger, Executive Director of the Southeastern Fairfield County chapter. "We are thankful that People's is helping to give Connecticut residents the chance to translate their compassion and caring into humanitarian aid through their monetary contributions."

"The humanitarian needs of this tragedy will continue to emerge over the next weeks, months and even years," she added. "The American Red Cross will be working with our global partners on long term relief efforts, seeking to use American Red Cross assistance in the unique, specialized areas where we can do the greatest good."

Founded in 1842, People's Bank (peoples.com) is one of Connecticut's largest banks with assets of $11 billion, more than 240 ATMs and 155 branches, 66 of which offer convenient seven-day banking in Super Stop & Shop locations across the state. A diversified financial services company, People's Bank provides consumer, commercial, insurance, retail investment and trust services to personal and business banking customers. People's Bank is the official banking partner of the University of Connecticut Division of Athletics. For more information about People's, its products and services, please call 800-772-1090, visit peoples.com or any of People's branches.

Your financial gift to the American Red Cross International Response Fund will help those affected by this crisis and countless others around the world each year. The American Red Cross International Response Fund provides immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to those in need.