Whirlpool Corporation today announced that it will continue to provide a new range and refrigerator for every new Habitat for Humanity home constructed in the U.S. in 2016, donating up to $5 million in products throughout the year and building upon a 17-year partnership with the organization.
“We are grateful to Whirlpool for their continued commitment to furthering Habitat’s mission of helping families build a decent and affordable place they can call home,” said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. “The donation of a range and refrigerator for Habitat homes in the U.S. is just one way Whirlpool helps families who need a helping hand, and we appreciate their faithful partnership.”
In addition to its financial commitment, Whirlpool will fully fund the construction of a new home in Bloomington, Indiana and Benton Harbor, Michigan and partially sponsor builds in Dallas, Texas; Tampa, Florida; Chicago, Illinois; Phoenix, Arizona; Amana, Iowa; Cleveland, Tennessee; Detroit, Michigan; and Monterrey, Mexico this year. Whirlpool Corporation will also participate in a blitz build with the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University for the seventh consecutive year. Students at Indiana University and Whirlpool employees will work alongside a Habitat family to help them build a home in ten days in the Bloomington area.
Whirlpool will continue its Habitat Ambassador Program, which was developed to create champions for the company’s signature charities. Whirlpool Ambassadors are actively engaged in the partnership with Habitat and fulfill leadership positions on local Habitat boards, participate in construction activities and represent Whirlpool at Habitat-related events.
“Whirlpool Corporation is committed to continuing to help families build strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter,” said Deb O’Connor, director of global corporate reputation and community relations. “This 17-year partnership with Habitat Humanity is something that our company, employees and community all take great pride in.”
Since the partnership began in 1999, Whirlpool has donated more than 87,000 refrigerators and ranges to Habitat families in the U.S. Whirlpool has also helped build more than 170 houses around the world. Whirlpool employees participate in builds where the company’s manufacturing operations, customer service and administrative offices are located.
About Whirlpool Corporation and Habitat for Humanity International
In more than 17 years of partnership with Habitat for Humanity, Whirlpool Corporation has developed active programs in more than 45 countries with a commitment of more than $95 million. In the United States and Canada, the company has donated more than 175,000 ranges and refrigerators to new Habitat homes, serving more than 87,000 families. Additionally, Whirlpool has donated more than 41,000 products to Habitat ReStore retail outlets, helping raise nearly $5.7 million. The company has engaged thousands of employee volunteers, sponsored nearly 170 homes and donated products to more than 75,000 Habitat families in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Whirlpool supports Habitat’s work around the world through product donations, financial contribution and/or volunteerism. For more information, visit https://whirlpoolcorp.com/social-responsibility/.
About Habitat for Humanity International
Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity has grown from a grassroots effort that began on a community farm in southern Georgia in 1976 to a global nonprofit housing organization in nearly 1,400 communities across the U.S. and in over 70 countries. People partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Through financial support, volunteering, or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower. To learn more, visit habitat.org.