Whirlpool Corporation and Habitat for Humanity Renew 2015 Partnership

Aug 26, 2015 3:00 PM ET

ATLANTA, Aug. 26, 2015 /3BL Media/ — 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.

About Whirlpool Corporation and Habitat for Humanity International

In more than 16 years of partnership with Habitat for Humanity, Whirlpool has developed active programs in more than 45 countries with a commitment of more than $90 million. In the United States and Canada, the company has donated more than 168,000 ranges and refrigerators to new Habitat homes, serving more than 85,000 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 150 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/or volunteerism. For more information, visit http://whirlpoolcorp.com/social-responsibility/.

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 housing provides a critical foundation for breaking the cycle of poverty, Habitat has helped more than 5 million people construct, rehabilitate or preserve homes since 1976. Habitat also advocates to improve access to decent and affordable shelter and supports a variety of funding models that enable families with limited resources to make needed improvements on their homes as their time and resources allow. 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 learn more, donate or volunteer visit habitat.org.

About Whirlpool Corporation

Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR) is the number one major appliance manufacturer in the world, with approximately $20 billion in annual sales, 100,000 employees and 70 manufacturing and technology research centers throughout the world in 2014. The company markets Whirlpool, KitchenAid,Maytag, Consul, Brastemp, Amana, Bauknecht, Jenn-Air, Indesit and other major brand names in more than 170 countries. Additional information about the company can be found at WhirlpoolCorp.com, or find us on Twitter at @WhirlpoolCorp.

Contact:

Nakia Fowler                                                        Whirlpool Media Hotline

Habitat for Humanity International                          269-923-7405  

404-962-3445                                                       Media@Whirlpool.com

newsroom@habitat.org