January 28, 2011

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan — Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc. (PotashCorp) today announced a $1,000,000 contribution to Saskatchewan food banks to purchase food for individuals and families in need. Speaking from the warehouse of the Saskatoon Food Bank and Learning Centre, Bill Doyle, President and CEO of PotashCorp, stressed the importance of food in helping people and whole communities.

“People cannot build healthy lives, or stronger communities, when they are hungry,” said Doyle. “When we help our neighbours meet their basic food needs, we feed hope, change, and the opportunity to improve their lives.”

PotashCorp’s gift will be used immediately to restock the shelves of 19 food banks across the province and nine affiliated locations. According to the most recent statistics collected by Food Banks Saskatchewan, more than 22,600 individuals visited food banks in Saskatchewan during March 2010, an increase of 20 per cent from the same month in 2009.

"The trend points to increasing demand for our services," explained Bill Hall, Executive Director of Food Banks Saskatchewan, which conducts its annual survey of food bank use in March. "The need for healthy, nutritious food continues to grow which is why we are so thankful for PotashCorp's support. From Lac La Ronge to Moosomin, the impact of this gift will be felt province-wide."

"Those of us in northern and Aboriginal communities see the need everyday," said Trudy Connor, board member for the Lac La Ronge Food Bank, who thanked PotashCorp on behalf of the hundreds who use its services annually.

Saskatchewan's two largest food banks echoed her thanks.

"We're delighted to receive PotashCorp's support," said Paul Merriman, CEO of the Saskatoon Food Bank and Learning Centre, which will receive about $425,000 of the total. "The impact and value of this donation to us, and the people we serve, is immeasurable and we are truly grateful."

"This donation couldn't have come at a better time," explained Wayne Hellquist, CEO of the Regina Food Bank, which will receive approximately $294,000 from the PotashCorp donation. "Usually, we see a slow down in donations after the holidays. This will ensure that our shelves are stocked with vital food supplies for people who need them."

PotashCorp is committed to contributing 1% of its pre-tax earnings in communities where it operates and supports local events and projects that bring people together and improve the quality of life for all.

Headquartered in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, PotashCorp is the world's largest fertilizer company by capacity, producing the three primary crop nutrients — potash, phosphate and nitrogen. With five potash operations in Saskatchewan, and one in New Brunswick, it is responsible for about 20 percent of global capacity and is the world's leading potash producer. Its operations and business interests span seven countries, making PotashCorp an international enterprise and a key player in meeting the growing challenge of feeding the world.

For further information, please contact:
Rhonda Speiss
Manager, Corporate Philanthropy
Phone: (306) 933-8544 
E-mail Rhonda

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