TAFT – The Dow Chemical Company is providing details on how retirees and employees can voluntarily contribute donations to a matching gift fund to aid survivors of the recent tsunamis in Southeast Asia and the Indian sub-continent.

The company announced last week that it will contribute up to $5 million in aid to those affected by the disaster. As part of this pledge, Dow will donate up to $1 million to match voluntary donations from employees and retirees around the world.

“The people of Dow are known for their community outreach and generous spirit of giving,” said Andrew Liveris, Dow president and chief executive officer. “Nowhere is that outreach needed more than in the villages, towns and rural communities affected by this natural disaster.”

“Our hearts go out to the victims of this horrific disaster,” said Nawzer Parakh, Dow’s St. Charles Operations site leader. “We want to help in any way we can and we’re pleased that Dow is providing this matching gift opportunity. We’ve heard very positive comments from our local employees and retirees who are eager to participate.”

The matching program, which begins today and concludes on February 25, 2005, directs donations to either the American Red Cross International Response Fund or United Way International, according to Parakh. “Given the immediate need for financial assistance, our intent is to leverage the existing administration capabilities of these two international relief agencies,” he said. “Both international agencies have expertise in disaster relief and are well-positioned to administer this program on a global basis.”

Dow’s matching donation will be given to the same agency chosen by the employee or retiree. Dow will also match donations by employees and retirees who have already given to other charitable organizations for tsunami relief efforts. Dow will make a matching contribution to either the American Red Cross or to United Way International. Details are being communicated directly to Dow employees and retirees.

Employees and retirees can participate in one of three ways: on-line, mail or telephone.

€ On-line. Employees may access links on the company’s intranet. This is the preferred method of donation as it will ensure that donations get to the affected areas as soon as possible. Retirees can find additional information at www.dowfriends.com.

€ Mail. Checks should be made payable to American Red Cross International Response Fund or United Way International and sent to The Dow Chemical Company, 47 Building, Tsunami Relief Fund, Midland, MI 48667. On the memo field, please indicate “Tsunami Relief.”

€ Telephone. To process a donation by phone, call 989-631-3670. Credit card method of payment is required for this option. Calls will be handled by the United Way Call Center, which can direct contributions to either the United Way or American Red Cross.

“Our objective is to make this program, while strictly voluntary, as open and easy to use as possible,” said Bo Miller, director of Dow Corporate Contributions. He noted that all donation information will be collected and controlled by the American Red Cross and United Way International. Individual donation amounts will be kept confidential.

The company has already delivered $1 million to the American Red Cross International Response Fund to provide immediate relief and has promised to contribute an additional $3 million in vital products, technology and funds for longer-term reconstruction efforts.