Building on a 16-year partnership, Whirlpool Corporation today announced it will continue to provide a new range and refrigerator for every new Habitat for Humanity home in the U.S. in 2015, donating up to $5 million in products throughout the year. Whirlpool will also sponsor eight new home builds in partnership with families in need of affordable housing in the U.S.
“We are grateful to Whirlpool for their continued commitment to furthering the mission of Habitat,” 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.”
Builds fully funded by Whirlpool will take place in Marion, Ohio; Bloomington, Indiana and Benton Harbor, Michigan, covering the entire cost of constructing the home. Partially sponsored builds scheduled for 2015 will take place in Dallas, Texas; Tampa, Florida; Greenville, Ohio; Amana, Iowa; and Cleveland, Tennessee.
For the sixth consecutive year, Whirlpool Corporation will also participate in a blitz build with the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. Students at Indiana University and Whirlpool employees will work together to build a home in 10 days in partnership with a family in the Bloomington area.
Additionally, 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.
“At Whirlpool, we’re committed to making moments that matter, and through this partnership we’re able to do just that by helping families achieve their dreams of home-ownership,” said Deb O’Connor, director of global corporate reputation and community relations. “We’re proud to celebrate 16 years in partnership with Habitat for Humanity International. It’s not only important to our company, but also to our employees and communities.”
Since the partnership began in 1999, more than 85,000 families have received a Whirlpool refrigerator and range in the U.S. Additionally, Whirlpool has helped build more than 150 houses around the world. Whirlpool employees participate in builds where the company’s manufacturing operations, customer service and administrative offices are located, such as Tulsa, Oklahoma; Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Clyde, Ohio; Greenville, Ohio; Marion, Ohio; Findlay, Ohio; and Benton Harbor, Michigan. Build events and locations vary each year.