Whirlpool and Habitat for Humanity serve vulnerable communities
GAUTENG. - Whirlpool EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) renews the partnership with Habitat for Humanity. From November 7th to 11th, fifty Whirlpool volunteers will participate to the Habitat for Humanity November 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.
