Pictou County, NS, September 27, 2011 - Home Hardware Dealer-Owners, Jim and Kendall Proudfoot, have been awarded the company's 10th annual Paul Straus Public Relations Award for their commitment to giving back to their community. The Proudfoots received the award during Home Hardware's semi-annual Shareholders' Meeting in St. Jacobs, Ontario.

The Paul Straus Public Relations Award acknowledges Home Hardware Dealers who continually excel at making their stores more visible in their community through innovative approaches using public relations.

Proudfoots Home Hardware Building Centre - Pictou has been a proud member of the Pictou County community since 1971 and today has evolved into two additional stores within Pictou County: Proudfoots Home Hardware - New Glasgow, and Proudfoots Home Building Centre in Stellarton.

The Proudfoots are modest about their achievements but say receiving the award was "very special."

"We are so proud of each of our stores for working together to strengthen our community," said Jim Proudfoot.

Home Hardware chose to recognize all three of the Proudfoots' stores as they consistently demonstrate their long-standing commitment to the community through dedicated and compassionate initiatives, including: significant monetary donations and volunteering towards the building of new high schools, a new community Health and Wellness Centre, fundraising campaigns and participating in community events like parades and neighbourhood cleanups.
"I'm thrilled that our dedicated staff has been recognized for all of their hard work. With over 1,080 stores across Canada, it is quite an honour to be chosen for this award," said Kendall Proudfoot.

"The team at Proudfoots exemplify Home Hardware's commitment to both community and customer service," said Paul Straus, President and CEO, Home Hardware Stores Limited. "Proudfoots is a perfect example of the important role local businesses can play to impact and improve their communities for the benefit of all. We are proud of their achievements and commend their commitment to the community."

-30-

About Home Hardware Stores Limited

100% Canadian owned and operated, Home Hardware Stores Limited has a presence in every Canadian province and territory and is the country's largest independent, Dealer-owned hardware, lumber, building materials and furniture cooperative. Founded on January 1, 1964 by 122 independent hardware Dealers, the cooperative now includes more than 1,080 stores, under the Home Hardware, Home Building Centre, Home Hardware Building Centre and Home Furniture banners, with annual collective retail sales of more than $5 billion. Home Hardware's independent Dealer-Owners, recognized by the North American Retail Hardware Association as Canada's best-trained Dealer group, have access to 100,000 quality brand name and private label products, a world-class distribution system and draw upon the power of Home Hardware's network to provide their local communities with top quality products and services at competitive prices.

For more information, please contact Lindsey Dietrich, Public Relations Coordinator, Home Hardware Stores Limited at 519-664-2252 ext. 6676 or lindsey.dietrich@homehardware.ca.