Carhartt Donates $100,000 to Helmets to Hardhats to Help Transitioning Military Service Members Find Meaningful Civilian Careers

U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross participates in check ceremony as Carhartt commits to donating $100,000 annually

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Jul 28, 2015, 02:44 ET

WASHINGTON, July 28, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Carhartt, America's premium work wear brand since 1889, today, donated $100,000 to Helmets to Hardhats, a nonprofit program designed to help active-duty military service members National Guard, reservists and veterans successfully transition back into civilian life by offering them the means to secure a quality career in the building and trade industry. The company has committed to donating $100,000 annually to support the organization's mission to train transitioning vets for careers in the trades.

L to R- Congressman Donald Norcross, President and COO of Carhartt Linda Hubbard and Executive Director of Helmets to Hardhats Darrell Roberts

Congressman Donald Norcross, Helmets to Hardhats executives and veterans joined Carhartt in a ceremony today at the Washington Hilton.

"This funding will help secure the futures of brave men and women who defended our country and are now transitioning to careers in the building trades. My own son, a United States Army veteran, is a 'Helmets to Hardhats' success story, working as an IBEW electrician. There are more just like him who will benefit from this generous donation from Carhartt," said Rep. Donald Norcross (NJ-01).

"Those who fight for their country shouldn't have to fight for a job upon their return to civilian life," said Linda Hubbard, president and chief operating officer at Carhartt. "Helmets to Hardhats and Carhartt are similar in that we both value the importance of hard work and have a great respect for those who work with their hands. As a company that builds product for hardworking trades and craftspeople, we are proud to support a group that connects service members with skilled training and construction careers. Everyone deserves the chance at landing a quality career- especially those who have served our country."

"Since the program's inception in 2003, we have successfully transitioned nearly 20,000 program members into quality building and construction trade careers as well as management positions like controllers, safety project managers, project managers, and dispatchers through our partner companies," said Darrell Roberts, executive director, Helmets to Hardhats. "No matter which path our participants take, it costs close to $1,000 for one vet to successfully utilize the program. Carhartt's donation will go a long way in helping many veterans achieve new, lucrative careers."

In 2014, Carhartt became a proud supporter of Helmets to Hardhats to help promote its mission. Carhartt's Made In The USA products feature tags that promote awareness for Helmets to Hardhats, and Carhartt has pledged to donate $100,000 annually to Helmets to Hardhats, regardless of sales.

For press conference assets including photos and b-roll, download here: http://dssimon.com/MM/Carhartt/

About Helmets to Hardhats
Helmets to Hardhats works closely with over 15 trade unions and 10 associations and corporations to source job openings and training for candidates. Once workers become a member in a building and construction trade or as a management employee and they work hard, they are entitled to a future with high pay, great medical insurance and one of the best pension plans in the nation. To learn more about Helmets to Hardhats, please visit www.helmetstohardhats.org.

About Carhartt, Inc
Established in 1889, Carhartt is a global premium work wear brand with a rich heritage of developing rugged apparel for workers on and off the job. Headquartered in Dearborn, Mich., with approximately 5,100 employees worldwide, Carhartt is privately owned and managed by the descendants of the company's founder, Hamilton Carhartt. For more information, visit www.carhartt.com.

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