MINNEAPOLIS - Habitat for Humanity International announced that The Valspar Corp. Foundation has extended its long-standing relationship with Habitat with a three-year commitment totaling more than $19 million in cash and paint donations. The Valspar Foundation will continue to provide paint to Habitat affiliates across the United States and financial support for Habitat's A Brush With Kindness program. 

"In these challenging economic times, Valspar and its employees are deeply committed to Habitat and its mission of providing simple, decent, affordable housing for families facing difficult circumstances," said Gary E. Hendrickson, Valspar President and Chief Executive Officer. "We take great pride in knowing that our products and application expertise have helped improve the quality of life for people in communities across the country. We are honored to be Habitat's national paint partner, and we look forward to continuing our work together." 

With this new commitment, Valspar has increased its support of Habitat's mission from $5 million annually to more than $6 million per year through 2014. By this time, the Valspar Foundation's paint and cash partnership with Habitat for Humanity International will reach nearly $60 million. 

The Valspar Foundation and Habitat for Humanity International launched their national partnership in 2002, but Valspar's support for Habitat began in the mid-1980s, when it first provided paint and services to Habitat for Humanity Twin Cities. In addition, Valspar and the Twin Cities Habitat affiliate founded A Brush with Kindness, a revitalization program that helps transform neighborhoods by painting home exteriors and providing landscaping and minor home repairs - tasks that can be difficult for low-income, disabled or senior homeowners. Four hundred Habitat affiliates have initiated A Brush With Kindness in their communities.