Whirlpool Corporation Exceeds Commitment to Habitat for Humanity by $9 Million

Company's donations to Habitat for Humanity ReStores surpass $10 million

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Jul 21, 2010, 08:00 ET

ATLANTA, July 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Habitat for Humanity International announced today that long-time partner Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR), the world's leading manufacturer of home appliances, has exceeded by $9 million a 2009 commitment to provide support to Habitat for Humanity ReStore outlets with planned product donations.

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Habitat ReStores sell used and surplus building supplies at reduced prices. More than 60 Habitat ReStores in 23 states have received product donations from Whirlpool Corporation; for some, the products have resulted in additional revenue totaling more than $100,000. In Temecula, Calif., Habitat for Humanity Inland Valley has received more than $351,000 from sales of donated Whirlpool Corporation products.

"It has made all the difference, night and day, with the opening of our ReStore at the worst economic time in recent history," said Tammy Marine, executive director, Habitat for Humanity Inland Valley. "Our fundraising decreased due to the economy, while the need had risen dramatically. Without Whirlpool, it would have been hard to sustain the building level we had achieved. But now we're doing more than ever."

There are 700 ReStores in 48 U.S. states and 60 in Canada. Habitat's ReStore outlets program has become a tool for increasing awareness of Habitat's mission and generating funding for Habitat's local operations

"Habitat ReStores provide much-needed revenue to support housing solutions in communities across North America," said Drew Meyer, director of Habitat ReStores, Habitat for Humanity International. "Habitat ReStores also provide low-cost products and materials to the community. The donations such as the appliances from Whirlpool Corporation impact the affiliate, Habitat partner families and local residents shopping in the resale outlet."

In addition to its support for Habitat's ReStores, Whirlpool Corporation provides a range and ENERGY STAR® qualified refrigerator to every Habitat for Humanity home built in North America. The company is one of Habitat for Humanity's largest corporate partners and has an active partnership with Habitat in 19 countries. Every year, thousands of Whirlpool Corporation employees volunteer their own time to Habitat builds around the world. In 2005, the company announced plans to support every Habitat home built globally by 2011, either through product donations, cash or volunteer support.

"The relationship with Habitat for Humanity is fully engrained in Whirlpool Corporation's culture, so we're always on the lookout for unique ways to support our partner," said Brian Hancock, vice president, Supply Chain, Whirlpool Corporation. "By donating to Habitat ReStores those appliances that we have in surplus inventory, we are able to support Habitat affiliates as they try to fill funding gaps in the current economy. It's a win-win, and we're happy to help."

To learn more about Whirlpool Corporation's donations to Habitat ReStore outlets, visit

http://www.habitat.org/env/restores/stories.aspx. For more information on the partnership, visit www.habitat.org or www.whirlpool.com/habitat.

About Whirlpool Corporation

Whirlpool Corporation is the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, with annual sales of approximately $19 billion, 70,000 employees, and 68 manufacturing and technology research centers around the world. The company markets Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Brastemp, Consul, Bauknecht and other major brand names to consumers in nearly every country around the world. Additional information about the company can be found at http://www.whirlpoolcorp.com.

About Habitat for Humanity International

Habitat for Humanity International is an ecumenical Christian ministry that welcomes to its work all people dedicated to the cause of eliminating poverty housing. Since its founding in 1976, Habitat has built more than 350,000 houses worldwide, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than 1.75 million people. For more information, visit www.habitat.org.

SOURCE Whirlpool Corporation