Budapest, 27 January 2017 – Whirlpool EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) has renewed the partnership with Habitat for Humanity, now supporting two initiatives in Hungary: the Social Rental Project, aimed to offer homeless families a decent housing, and the Szimbiózis Project involving people with autism and providing them with a safe and empowering environment.
The initiatives have been supported by Whirlpool EMEA through financial support and home appliances donation.
The Social Rental Project takes place in Budapest and is more than just a family breaking out from the grip of homelessness. It represents a concrete chance of full social integration through education and social care. The project is a best in class example of Whirlpool’s engagement with multiple stakeholders such as municipality, companies, volunteers and the community.
The Szimbiozis Project takes place in Miskolc, where an unused building has been turned into new homes equipped with home appliances from Whirlpool Corporation. The facility is managed by the Szimbiozis Foundation, which provides day care, education and employment opportunities for people living with autism.
“We are very proud to partner with Habitat for Humanity and to take active part to such relevant social projects – said István Huczka, Country Manager, Whirlpool Hungary – “Whirlpool Hungary is very committed to give back to communities and help disadvantaged people. We hope that with these activities we can build a better society”.
The activities carried out in Hungary follow the Whirlpool EMEA support to Habitat for Humanity in South Africa, where in November 2016 fifty Whirlpool volunteers participated to the Habitat for Humanity build event in the “Orange Farm” community in Johannesburg, aiming to help vulnerable people in repairing their homes.
In more than 16 years of partnership with Habitat for Humanity, Whirlpool has developed active programs in more than 45 countries with a commitment of more than $90 million. In the United States and Canada, the company has donated more than 168,000 ranges and refrigerators to new Habitat homes, serving more than 85,000 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 150 homes and donated products to more than 75,000 Habitat families Europe, Middle East and Africa. Whirlpool plans to support the work of Habitat around the world through product donations, financial contribution and/or volunteerism.
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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. To learn more, visit habitat.org