MetLife employees volunteer in Habitat for Humanity community projects across Europe, the Middle East and Africa
Projects are part of MetLife’s commitment renewal to support Habitat for a second year
ATLANTA (May 30, 2017) – MetLife today renewed its regional partnership with Habitat for Humanity in Europe, the Middle East and Africa and celebrated with projects across the region during its Community Service Week, beginning on May 15.
The partnership, funded by the company’s philanthropic arm MetLife Foundation, engaged employees working alongside homeowners and community members in Habitat homebuilding, home renovations and community renovation projects in Bulgaria, Egypt, England, Hungary, Ireland, Jordan, Lebanon, Poland and Romania.
“The idea for Community Service Week came directly from our colleagues across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. More than 750 employees in 21 markets across EMEA volunteered last year and told us that they want to do more this year with Habitat for Humanity,” said Michel Khalaf, MetLife EMEA president and MetLife Foundation board member. “Community Service Week offers them a fantastic opportunity to give something back to the communities they work in.”
During Community Service Week, MetLife’s 4,500 employees in 26 EMEA countries supported local Habitat for Humanity efforts by building and renovating homes, buildings and community spaces. Projects included demolition, painting, plastering, pouring foundations, cleaning, landscaping and updating fixtures.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with MetLife for a second year,” said Torre Nelson, vice president, EMEA, Habitat for Humanity International. “Through this event, we are able to support Habitat’s mission in Europe, Middle East and Africa.”
MetLife Foundation has a long tradition of supporting initiatives that engage MetLife volunteers in activities that improve quality of life and increase opportunities in the communities they serve.
About Habitat for Humanity
Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity began in 1976 as a grassroots effort on a community farm in southern Georgia. The Christian housing organization has since grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in nearly 1,400 communities throughout the U.S. and in more than 70 countries. Families and individuals in need of a hand up partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower. To learn more, visit habitat.org.
About MetLife
MetLife, Inc., through its subsidiaries and affiliates (“MetLife”), is one of the largest life insurance companies in the world. Founded in 1868, MetLife is a global provider of life insurance, annuities, employee benefits and asset management. Serving approximately 100 million customers, MetLife has operations in nearly 50 countries and holds leading market positions in the United States, Japan, Latin America, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. For more information, visit www.metlife.com.
About MetLife Foundation
MetLife Foundation was created in 1976 to continue MetLife’s long tradition of corporate contributions and community involvement. Since its founding through the end of 2015, MetLife Foundation has provided more than $700 million in grants and $70 million in program-related investments to organizations addressing issues that have a positive impact in their communities. Today, the Foundation is dedicated to advancing financial inclusion, committing $200 million over the next five years to help build a secure future for individuals and communities around the world. To learn more about MetLife Foundation, visit www.metlife.org.