Carpet One Intros New Mat Designs for Fight Agains

Manchester, NH April 5--Carpet One welcomes spring with fresh new designs for its cause-related welcome mats, as part of its continued fundraising campaign, "Carpet One Welcomes Your Support." Throughout April and May 2005, more than 700 Carpet One stores across North America will donate all profits from sales of these specially designed welcome mats to their local American Cancer Society chapters and Canadian Cancer Society community offices. Through this grassroots initiative, which began in October 2004 during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Carpet One has committed to raise a minimum of $250,000, specifically earmarked for breast cancer research and awareness. "Thanks to the overwhelming support of our customers this past "all, we are well on our way to reaching our donation goal,” says Evan Hackel, president of Carpet One. "As family-owned and operated businesses, the fight against breast cancer is a very important cause for us all. It is our honor to join the American Cancer Society in its critical efforts to eradicate this disease." According to the American Cancer Society, Carpet One is helping to not only raise necessary funding, but to increase consumer awareness of breast cancer through this campaign. "The 'Carpet One Welcomes Your Support' program helps to keep communities throughout the U.S. educated and informed on the latest health risks, early detections and prevention," says Ralph B. Vance, MD, Fellow, American College of Physicians, national volunteer president of the American Cancer Society. "The good news is that breast cancer death rates are decreasing, and this decline might be the result of earlier detection and improved treatment." Consumers can support their local American Cancer Society chapters by purchasing the custom-designed welcome mats this spring. The new designs depict the colors and flowers of the season, and are the perfect addition to any home. They also make a thoughtful gift for mom this Mother’s Day – a gift that gives back to a cause she cares about. Choose from the following, each emblazoned with a pink ribbon design, the internationally recognized symbol for breast cancer awareness: •Leaves of Life: A variety of leaves cover this mat in shades of green – from light to dark – representing the unfolding of spring. •Dreaming of Spring: The daisy is celebrated in shades of smoky gray blues with bursts of yellow, bringing a bold look to your home. •Eternal Ivy: A meandering vine greets guests at the front door in this bright green design, as does the familiar pink ribbon in the word "welcome." •Daffodil of Hope: A recognized sign of optimism in the fight against breast cancer, the daffodil is the welcoming flower in this pattern, coupled with the word "hope" on the left. Made of plush nylon, the welcome mats are water and stain resistant, machine-washable, and can be used both indoors and out. All four welcome mats will be available exclusively at Carpet One stores for approximately $19.99 each.