Nissan Expands Habitat for Humanity Partnership to Five Asian Countries
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., and Habitat for Humanity International, a global nonprofit based in the United States, today announced a 1million U.S. (80 million JPY) global partnership to launch joint projects in India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. Nissan also will work with Habitat for Humanity Japan, a regional branch of Habitat for Humanity International, to support areas affected by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake.
Habitat for Humanity International is a humanitarian aid organization founded in the U.S. in 1976. Working in nearly 80 countries, Habitat partners with families in need of decent housing to build affordable and sustainable homes.
“Nissan and Habitat have built a relationship of trust through our partnership in North America,” said Andy Palmer, executive vice president of Nissan. “With Habitat for Humanity’s commitment to developing community through housing, they are a natural partner for Nissan and our vision of ‘Enriching People’s Lives,’ the cornerstone of our Blue Citizenship approach to creating a sustainable society.
“We are pleased to further contribute to the development of a sustainable society through this global expansion of our Habitat for Humanity partnership.”
Launching in the current fiscal year, the new partnership will facilitate home building and the construction of evacuation shelters for use during natural disasters in the five Asian countries. As well, the partnership includes the donation of vehicles, which will help support construction efforts. A disaster response fund also will be established with the goal of creating natural disaster-resistant communities.
Nissan’s regional companies will work together with regional branches of Habitat for Humanity, including developing volunteer activities for Nissan employees. In Japan, Nissan will work with Habitat for Humanity to support Ofunato City, Iwate, which was greatly impacted by the Great East Japan Earthquake. This month and through November, 80 employees will contribute “sweat equity” to participate in reconstruction support activities, including construction of storehouses in temporary housing areas.
“We are so pleased with this expansion of our partnership with Nissan,” said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. “The commitment to enrich people’s lives will result in opportunities for a better future for these 580 families who face the challenges of disasters and living in poverty. Together with the family partners, Nissan and Habitat will build homes, communities and hope.”
Activities by country include:
- IndiaBuild 30 homes
- IndonesiaProvide shelters to be used during flooding and make improvements in water supply system for a total of 200 families
- PhilippinesProvide emergency shelter kits for use in disasters and emergency preparedness training for 300 families
- ThailandBuild and repair homes in areas at risk of flooding
- VietnamAssist 40 families with house repairs, clean water, sanitation and managing disaster risk