Whirlpool and Habitat for Humanity to assist vulnerable communities in South Africa
Johannesburg, 7th November 2016 – Whirlpool EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) renews the partnership with Habitat for Humanity. From November 7th to 11th, fifty Whirlpool volunteers will participate in Habitat for Humanity build event in the “Orange Farm” community in Johannesburg, aiming to help vulnerable people in repairing their homes.
Equipped with gloves, vest and hardhat, Whirlpool volunteers will contribute to bring a big change towards the elderly, female-headed households and vulnerable families with small children who, for a variety of reasons, are not able to improve their homes and local environment themselves. Works will focus on critical home repairs and community-building initiatives to ensure that all families live in dignity.
The Orange Farm community, established in the late 1980’s, is one of the largest informal settlements in South Africa and is facing many social issues, such as unemployment and limited access to sanitation, water and decent housing.
“We are honored to partner with Habitat for Humanity and to take active part to this valuable project – said Michele Caputo, Managing Director Whirlpool SADC . “Our commitment in South Africa encompasses social responsibility and calls us to contribute to a better, more prosperous society in every place we work and live”.
The activities carried out in Orange Farm will be followed in the coming weeks by Whirlpool support to Habitat for Humanity in two other social projects in Hungary devoted to homeless and disabled people, thus increasing the impact of the company’s commitment towards the communities where it operates.
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 volunteerism.
About Whirlpool Corporation
Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR) is the number one major appliance manufacturer in the world, with approximately $21 billion in annual sales, 97,000 employees and 70 manufacturing and technology research centers throughout the world in 2015. The company markets Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag, Consul, Brastemp, Amana, Bauknecht, Jenn-Air, Indesit and other major brand names in nearly every country throughout the world. Whirlpool EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) is an operating segment of Whirlpool Corporation with approximately 24,000 employees, a sales presence in 35 countries in Europe, Middle East and Africa, and 15 manufacturing and technology research centers in 8 countries. Whirlpool Corporation’s European Operations Center is located in Comerio (VA), Italy. Additional information about the company can be found at www.whirlpool.com or on Twitter at @WhirlpoolCorp.
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 www.habitat.org
For further information:
Michelle Morrick - Marketing Communications Manager, Whirlpool South Africa
+27 11 663 5408
[email protected]
Pierre Yves Ley - Corporate Press Office and PR Manager, Whirlpool EMEA
+39 335 7277266
[email protected]
Karim Bruneo - Corporate Citizenship Manager, Whirlpool EMEA
+39 340 8675676
[email protected]