Novelis sponsors Blitz Build with Atlanta Habitat
ATLANTA (Oct. 25, 2013) – Novelis has teamed up with Atlanta Habitat for Humanity to fund and build a home in the Verbena Place subdivision in 5 1/2 consecutive days. The Novelis Blitz Build began on Monday, Oct. 21 at 8 a.m. and will conclude on Saturday, Oct. 26, with a dedication ceremony beginning at 12 p.m.
Atlanta-based Novelis will donate 100,000 to Atlanta Habitat through their partnership with Habitat for Humanity International. Although Novelis has built numerous Habitat homes around the world, this will be their first build in Atlanta since the partnership began in 2011.
“More than 200 Novelis employees from our Buckhead headquarters and our Kennesaw research center are coming together this week to participate in this special Atlanta Habitat for Humanity blitz build,” said Ashley Gravlee, corporate social responsibility manager at Novelis. “Habitat for Humanity is a valued global partner and we’re very excited to deepen our relationship with Habitat right here in our hometown.”
The Novelis Blitz Build is employee driven, including everything from fundraising to volunteering on the build site. The build is part of the company’s second annual One Novelis Volunteer Month where employees at 35 sites in 11 different countries will participate in community projects aligned with the company’s strong focus on corporate social responsibility.
On Friday, Oct. 18, Novelis employees met Ms. Gates, the future homeowner. Ms. Gates moved into a Habitat house in 1996 with her mother. Now, 17 years later, she has purchased her own home where she will live with her two children.
Atlanta Habitat families are first-time homebuyers who meet financial qualifications, help build their own home, contribute 250 sweat-equity hours to the organization, and complete at least 12 required education classes in courses ranging from budgeting to home maintenance and landscaping.
“We are so thrilled about the blitz build and the generous support from Novelis. They are a great example of how companies rally their employees to make an impact in the community,” says Larrie Del Martin, president and CEO, Atlanta Habitat. “Ms. Gates is just one of many working, qualified families in Atlanta Habitat’s program. She is joining forces with Novelis, building her home in five consecutive days and helping to transform a neighborhood.”
The last time Atlanta Habitat held a blitz build was back in 2009, during the Whirlpool Building Blocks event. Southern Crescent Habitat and Atlanta Habitat joined forces to build eight houses in 4 1/2 days.
About Novelis
Novelis Inc. is the global leader in aluminum rolled products and the world’s largest recycler of aluminum. The company operates in nine countries, has approximately 11,000 employees and reported revenue of 9.8 billion for its 2013 fiscal year. Novelis supplies premium aluminum sheet and foil products to transportation, packaging, construction, industrial and consumer electronics markets throughout North America, Europe, Asia and South America. Novelis is a subsidiary of Hindalco Industries Limited (BSE: HINDALCO), one of Asia’s largest integrated producers of aluminum and a leading copper producer. Hindalco is part of the Aditya Birla Group, a multinational conglomerate based in Mumbai, India. For more information, visit www.novelis.com and follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/Novelis.
About Atlanta Habitat for Humanity
Atlanta Habitat for Humanity, one of more than 1,500 U.S. affiliates of Habitat for Humanity International, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to homeownership for working families. Since 1983, volunteers from corporations, from faith-based and civic organizations have worked in partnership with qualified homebuyers to construct affordable, green, quality homes, which are purchased through no-interest mortgages. To date, Atlanta Habitat has built nearly 1,300 homes in the city of Atlanta and Fulton County. For more information, please visit www.atlantahabitat.org or call 404-223-5180.
About Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International’s vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Anchored by the conviction that safe and affordable housing provides a critical foundation for breaking the cycle of poverty, Habitat has helped more than 3 million people construct, rehabilitate or preserve homes since 1976. Habitat also advocates for fair and just housing policies and provides training and access to resources to help more families improve their shelter conditions. As a nonprofit Christian housing organization, Habitat works in more than 70 countries and welcomes people of all races, religions and nationalities to partner in its mission. To get more information, to donate or to volunteer, please visit www.habitat.org.