Rayovac Donates $20,000 In Batteries And Flashlights To Hurricane-Battered Dominican Republic

MADISON, Wis., Oct., 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Rayovac (NYSE: ROV) today announces that $20,000 worth of alkaline batteries and flashlights are being donated immediately to the survivors of Hurricane Georges that recently devastated the island nation of the Dominican Republic. The donation is being made to the Sammy Sosa Charitable Foundation, which has been focusing its efforts on hurricane relief for the Dominican Republic. Mr. Sosa, a Dominican by birth, is now on site assisting those affected by the hurricane.

The hurricane, which began wreaking havoc on September 22nd, left hundreds dead and thousands more homeless. Approximately 70 percent of the country's bridges sustained some damage, as well as 90 percent of its banana and other plantations. Flooding and mudslides have made the situation worse by making dirt roads in rural areas difficult to traverse. In addition, the hurricane destroyed half of the country's power grid. While some lines have been restored, much of the country is without electricity or lighting.

"We were inspired by Sammy Sosa's efforts to help the people of the Dominican Republic," said Rayovac Chairman and CEO David A. Jones. "Given the devastation, there is now an acute need for mobile power and lighting. We hope our donation of alkaline batteries and flashlights will make a difference in helping to ease the hardships the country faces."

A shipment of thousands of Rayovac batteries and flashlights is now departing from Ray-O-Vac Dominicana, S.A. to the Sammy Sosa Charitable Foundation.

"It is a privilege for Rayovac to work with Sammy to bring relief to the people of the Dominican Republic at a time when it is very much needed," said Jones.

With its world headquarters in Madison, Wis., Rayovac is the third largest U.S. manufacturer of batteries and battery-operated lighting products. Thomas H. Lee Company, a private investment firm based in Boston, owns the largest common share interest in Rayovac. Rayovac is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol ROV.
SOURCE Rayovac Corporation
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CONTACT: John Daggett of Rayovac, 608-275-4912, daggett@rayovac.com