Donations to Habitat for Humanity now possible through Whirlpool washer and dryer app

ATLANTA (Jan. 6, 2015) — Whirlpool is debuting a smart appliance this week that will help make supporting Habitat for Humanity as easy as doing laundry. Its new Connect to Care mobile app, a component of The Whirlpool Smart Top Load Washer and Dryer, includes an automated giving feature that allows users to convert each load of laundry into a donation to Habitat.

“We are very excited about Connect to Care. It enables our consumers to help other families thrive and that’s important because the best technology should really make us more human,” said Chelsey Lindstrom, manager of brand experience for Whirlpool brand. “This feature enables families to make caring for others as easy as doing a simple load of laundry.”

Unveiled this week during the International Consumer Electronics Show, the laundry pair allows families to designate a personal donation to Habitat with each load of laundry linked to the Connect to Care app. Scheduled for release in the spring, the app aims to show people the big difference they can make by donating small amounts, even pennies, over time.

“We are grateful to Whirlpool for this innovative approach to integrate Whirlpool users with our mission,” said Colleen Finn Ridenhour, deputy director, Corporate, Foundation and Institutional Relations at Habitat for Humanity International. “We look forward to continuing to partner with Whirlpool to help families in need of affordable housing.”

Whirlpool has supported Habitat’s mission for more than 15 years and donates a refrigerator and range to every new Habitat home built in North America. Since the partnership began in 1999, more than 81,000 families have received a Whirlpool refrigerator and range. Additionally, more than 150 houses have been built around the world with the help of thousands of Whirlpool employee volunteers.

About Whirlpool brand
For more than 100 years, Whirlpool brand has been inspired by how people care for their families. Whirlpool brand is designing home appliances that are focused on improving how families give and get the care they need with the latest technologies and innovations that make their experience effortless, intuitive and easy – whether that means the most flexible refrigerator storage for all types of family needs, induction technology for efficient cooking and easier cleaning, or laundry pairs that sense and adapt to clothes with the latest in connected technologies. Whirlpool brand is part of Whirlpool Corporation, the world’s leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances. Whirlpool Corporation is also one of Habitat for Humanity’s largest corporate partners for over 15 dedicated years, donating a refrigerator and range to every new Habitat for Humanity home built in North America. For more information on Whirlpool, please visit whirlpool.com/everydaycare or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/whirlpoolusa or Twitter at @WhirlpoolUSA. Additional information about the company can be found at whirlpoolcorp.com.

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 path out of poverty, since 1976 Habitat has helped more than 5 million people through home construction, rehabilitation and repairs and by increasing access to improved shelter through products and services. Habitat also advocates to improve access to decent and affordable shelter and offers a variety of housing support services that enable families with limited means 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.