Barbara Bush Bestows Award; RB Honored by AmeriCares for Providing "Help, Hope and Relief to Those in Need".

Business and Feature Editors

WAYNE, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 29, 2001

It is said that giving is its own reward. But it is still nice to be recognized, especially by a former first lady.

Reckitt Benckiser was honored with the coveted Celebration of Hope Award at the AmeriCares' "Celebration of Hope 2001" gala Wednesday night at the Regent Wall Street hotel in downtown Manhattan, with former President and Mrs. George H. W. Bush presiding. The household products company, which makes brands such as Lysol, was recognized along with Quest Diagnostics and CNN Pinnacle for its decade-long commitment to AmeriCares, one of the world's leading disaster relief and humanitarian aid organizations.

In remarks to the 700 attendees, Barbara Bush paid tribute to Reckitt Benckiser's efforts on behalf of AmeriCares and the world community. During the past decade, the Company has contributed more than $2 million in household and food products, as well as wheelchairs, financial support and employee volunteer time to AmeriCares.

AmeriCares' Ken Baker said, "Reckitt Benckiser has been steadfast in demonstrating a commitment to the mission of saving lives and lessening human suffering." "We're grateful for the organization's commitment to serving those in need and are delighted to bestow our greatest honor upon Reckitt Benckiser."

Of course, the real heroes are Reckitt Benckiser's employees. From Marketing and Communication & Public Relations to Sales and Supply, Reckitt Benckiser's people have devoted countless hours of their time to help Reckitt Benckiser products, such as anti-bacterials for areas hit by earthquakes, make it from Logistics Centers to the more than 130 countries across the globe where AmeriCares provides aid. In 2000 alone, the Company's efforts helped AmeriCares provide assistance, food and supplies to people in China, Haiti, Mexico and the Appalachian region of the U.S.

"On behalf of all the employees of Reckitt Benckiser, let me say how honored we are to be recognized by a premier humanitarian organization like AmeriCares," Elio Leoni-Sceti, President of Reckitt Benckiser, N.A. Household, said, as he and Bill Darkoch, Senior VP Supply, Americas accepted the honor. "Our people are proud of the partnership we've formed with you, and it is truly gratifying to be able to help those affected when disaster strikes."

"The way our people come together and orchestrate the delivery of product is amazing," Bill continued. "It's a testament not only to our collective logistical expertise but also to the spirit of generosity and camaraderie our people exhibit toward such a worthy cause."

As a show of support and appreciation, many of RB's business partners and suppliers attended or made contributions to the gala fundraiser; RB and its business partners contributed more than $120,000 to this fundraising event, of which 98 percent will be used to aid in disaster relief.