A three-month-old Golden Retriever named ‘Niceday’ is the first sponsored puppy following The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association’s 75th anniversary. Once fully trained, Niceday will join the approximately 730 working guide dogs that are trained annually. A cheque was presented to the Charity’s national co-coordinator on behalf of Office Depot staff which held a number of fund raising events to further the Association’s goal of training and deploying guide dogs for the blind and visually impaired.

As part of the Office Depot ‘Live Forum,’ working guide dogs demonstrated their skills for attendees by safely leading blind-folded volunteers through an obstacle course. The dogs are trained to increase the mobility and social independence of their owners in the environment in which they live and work.

“We are committed to the principles of good Corporate Social Responsibility and are pleased with this opportunity to support this worthwhile cause,” said Tony Bennett, General Manager, UK and Ireland Contract Business. “Guide dogs act as an irreplaceable mobility aid to their owners and we’re hoping that our support will help to generate awareness and interest with the general public, for the good work that the Association does.”

About Office Depot and Viking Direct United Kingdom
Viking Direct mail order customers receive a mix of catalogue mailings throughout the course of the year, designed to keep them informed of new products and special offers. Orders are placed via the telephone, fax or the award winning web site www.viking-direct.co.uk. The Viking Direct business is the clear leader within the direct-mail office supplies channel and is the supplier of choice to small and medium sized organisations across the UK.

Office Depot is the country’s leading contract supplier of office products, specialising in providing cost effective and efficient supply solutions to corporate customers, who want to negotiate terms of supply with a representative of the company. Office Depot customers have exclusive access to over 2,400 Niceday products – the group’s own brand, which has gained a well-earned reputation for value and quality. The comprehensive choice of over 7,500 products in the catalogue, is available for next day delivery and multiple-channel ordering and invoicing methods are available – phone, fax, e-mail and online www.onlineofficedepot.co.uk. Office Depot UK’s own team of drivers and a fleet of over 300 vehicles deliver to business addresses across the country.

About Office Depot
With annual sales of over 14 billion USD, Office Depot provides more office products and services to more customers in more countries than any other company. Incorporated in 1986 and headquartered in Delray Beach, Florida, Office Depot conducts business in 22 countries and employs 47,000 people worldwide. The Company operates under the Office Depot®, Viking Office Products®, and Viking Direct® brand names.

Office Depot is a leader in every distribution channel - from retail stores and contract delivery to catalogs and e-commerce. With over $3.8 billion of sales, the Company is one of the world’s largest e-commerce retailers. As of December 31, 2005, Office Depot had 1,047 retail stores in North America. Internationally, the Company conducts wholly-owned operations in 14 countries, and operates under joint venture and license arrangements in another six countries.

The company’s common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol ODP and is included in the S&P 500 Index. Additional press information can be found at: http://mediarelations.officedepot.com.