T.J. Maxx

ZINK LINKS WITH T.J. MAXX TO HELP "CURE" INTOLERANCE
-Zink The Zebra Program Helps Girl Scouts Celebrate Diversity 
T.J. Maxx Donation Expands the Program Nationwide

Milwaukee, WI (June, 2002) - The Zink the Zebra Foundation, Inc. and T.J. Maxx, the nation’s largest off-price retailer, have come together to educate girls about the importance of accepting one another’s differences.  This new funding from T.J. Maxx will expand opportunities for Girl Scout councils nationwide to utilize the Zink the Zebra resources. 

In 1993, 11 year-old Kelly Weil died of cancer. While she was fighting this disease and living with the physical changes that accompanied her treatment, she wrote a story, Zink the Zebra - A Special Tale. This story is about a zebra named Zink who has spots instead of stripes, causing her to be treated differently by the other zebras. The book explores the theme of the pain associated with the withdrawal of friendships due to the misconceptions of human differences. Guided by the inspiration of his daughter’s story, Les Weil created the Zink the Zebra Foundation, whose mission is to create and implement educational programs that build self-esteem, help to teach understanding, respect, compassion and acceptance of ourselves and others.

"The funding from T.J. Maxx is helping all of us at Zink to turn many of our dreams into realities. Now every Girl Scout council in the United States and Overseas will have the opportunity to participate in the Zink the Zebra Program.  It will not be long before Zink is a household word, thanks to T.J. Maxx!" said Liz Garland, National Director of the Zink the Zebra Patch Program. 

The TJX Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TJX), the parent Company of T.J. Maxx, prides itself on the diversity of their associates and believes in maintaining a superior working environment that fosters respect, collaboration and professional development. "We are honored to help spread the Zink the Zebra message of understanding, compassion and acceptance. The Zink the Zebra program reflects the core of what our Company believes in, namely respect, open communication and diversity," said Ted English, President and CEO of The TJX Companies, Inc.
 
Les Weil, Founder of the Zink the Zebra Foundation adds, "I am most appreciative to
T.J. Maxx for their vision, understanding and concern. Their decision to support our mission of helping to educate the young girls involved with Girl Scouts, about character, respect and tolerance will help provide our future with positive leadership in our communities, our cities, our states and our country."

The Zink the Zebra Foundation, Inc. is a story, a mission and an opportunity for our future. Please visit our website at www.zinkthezebra.org. T.J. Maxx is a Massachusetts-based off-price retailer with over 700 stores in 47 states.  For store locations, call
800-2TJ-Maxx or visit www.tjmaxx.com.