Habitat for Humanity Benefits from Michelin NA Volunteers

For the second year in a row Michelin North America employees have pitched in and lent Habitat for Humanity a hand in the tyremaker’s home neighbourhood of Greenville County, South Carolina. Since the groundbreaking in May, more than 600 Michelin employees and Habitat volunteers have given nearly 5,000 hours to build the two houses in the town of Greer, not far from Michelin’s US headquarters. Michelin North America chairman and president Dick Wilkerson was on hand to present the keys to the new homeowners.

“For almost 35 years, Michelin employees have worked together to help enhance the quality of life in upstate communities,” said Wilkerson. “Now, through four months of hard work and dedication by these volunteers, two more families have a new upstate neighbourhood to call home. It is an honour to give back to the community that has given so much to us over the years.”

Michelin employees were engaged in many construction tasks, including framing, insulating, installing drywall, doors, windows and appliances, painting, landscaping and other items. The company calculates that, at the nationally recognised rate of US$20.25 per hour for volunteer time, Michelin’s human capital contribution to this project exceeds $100,000.

“The team worked so well together,” said Ben Keese, Michelin’s project leader. “Our volunteers had a great attitude and were excited about working on these houses as a team. Throughout the building project we were able to draw upon the same principles that help contribute to the success of the organization: preparation, planning, hard work, safety and – of course – teamwork.”