Rarely one to toot their own horn, we learned this week that Whirlpool Corporation has surpassed the $125 million mark in the contributions it has made to Habitat for Humanity through in-kind product donations.
In what is an understandably emotional time for Habitat and its partners as they mourn the passing of one of their most visible champions, former U.S. first lady Rosalynn Carter, the news of Whirlpool’s contributions underscored the reach of the company’s commitment to the Habitat cause. President Carter and the first lady took part in Whirlpool-sponsored Habitat builds, including those in the Southwest Michigan/Northern Indiana region. Pictured above is the 2018 Habitat build in northern Indiana where the Carters worked alongside hundreds of volunteers including Whirlpool Corporation employees to build, repair, or improve 41 homes.
“Our long-standing relationship with Habitat for Humanity fits perfectly with our global focus on helping ensure everyone can have a place to live that is comfortable and nurturing,” said Pam Klyn, executive vice president of corporate relations and sustainability for Whirlpool Corporation. “It’s an honor and a privilege to help support the Habitat for Humanity mission and especially to work together on enhanced programs with a focus on energy-efficient appliances which aligns perfectly with Whirlpool Corporation’s sustainability efforts.”
According to a statement from Habitat for Humanity International, over the lifetime of the relationship, which began in 1999, Whirlpool Corp. has donated more than 241,000 major home appliances to nearly 197,000 Habitat households across the U.S.
In their statement, Habitat pointed to a 2021 study they conducted to estimate Habitat homeowners’ total energy savings and associated cost-savings generated by Whirlpool appliance donations. Habitat highlighted that across their U.S. network, Whirlpool products donated between 2018 and 2020 generated 1.8 million kWh in energy savings per year and 16 million kWh in energy savings over the lifetime of the appliances. This created electric bill savings of $208,000 per year for a total of $1.8 million over the lifetime of the appliances.
“Time and time again over the past 24 years, Whirlpool has demonstrated a commitment that goes above and beyond partnership expectations,” said Tolli Love, chief development officer at Habitat for Humanity International. “Whirlpool’s sustained support has created meaningful change for nearly 200,000 families around the world. Adding to their impact, Habitat launched BuildBetter with Whirlpool in 2021, with a goal of building homes that are energy-efficient, resilient and sustainable, helping ensure they are affordable generation after generation. We are proud to work alongside Whirlpool and cannot wait to see what we continue to build together.”
Since 1999, Whirlpool Corporation has supported Habitat for Humanity’s work to build affordable homes and communities in partnership with more than 1 million families across 45 countries. In addition to financial and product donations, Whirlpool currently supports Habitat’s BuildBetter with Whirlpool program, the Cost of Home national advocacy campaign and the Latin American and Caribbean Housing Forum. Whirlpool employees around the globe participate in builds.
