Henkel Employees Volunteer in International Aid Project
Bratislava/Düsseldorf (May 13, 2014) – Henkel is demonstrating social responsibility and at the same time building its employees’ team spirit with an exceptional undertaking: 20 Henkel employees from the company’s headquarters in Düsseldorf flew to Romania where they will be building a house for a large family in difficulty. Their voluntary efforts are being supported by the company.
Henkel’s team of volunteers will take just a week to build a new home for the family of seven in the Romanian city of Ploieşti. With their house having been declared “due for demolition” by the local authorities, the family is currently living in a 100 sq. ft. container.
The Henkel employees have generated much of the money required for the aid project themselves through fundraising events such as company fun runs and Christmas or Easter events. Financial support was also received from the Fritz Henkel Foundation. “The project provides us with an excellent opportunity to assume social responsibility since it relies largely on the commitment of our colleagues – and they have put a great deal of personal effort into organizing the operation,” says Dr. Andreas Bruns, President of Henkel Germany and Head of Infrastructure Services. “We are delighted to be able to help this family, which has been struck by a series of personal blows, and especially to be finally getting stuck in on the ground,” adds Christian Wallendschus of the team of volunteers.
The Romanian family, which includes four children and one grandchild, is living in extreme poverty and has just ten square meters or one hundred square feet of living space. Assisted by Romanian helpers, the 20 Henkel employees will build decent new housing for the family within the space of just a few days. The Henkel employees are from the Infrastructure Services division and can contribute a wide variety of professional skills which will come in useful when laying floors, putting up walls, installing windows and doors, and building the roof.
Henkel has joined forces with Habitat for Humanity to carry out the aid project. “The employees started work on the pilot project with Habitat for Humanity with high levels of energy and commitment, and were happy to sacrifice their time to preparing for the aid effort. We are delighted to have teamed up with such a leading international brand name company as Henkel to carry out this volunteer work,” says Marco Witzel, Director of Habitat for Humanity Germany e.V.
About the Fritz Henkel Foundation
Social engagement has always played an important role at Henkel and is an integral part of its corporate culture. Founded in 2011, the Fritz Henkel Foundation has close links with the company and underscores Henkel’s longstanding commitment to social involvement that goes beyond its business interests. In 2013, Henkel and the Fritz Henkel Foundation supported 2,422 projects with donations totaling around 7.9 million euros.
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 4 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 www.habitateurope.org.