GE employees to volunteer their time and services
Press Release
July 13, 2000
TORONTO -- Five GE Canada and GE Capital Canada businesses are donating a combined $50,000 to Habitat for Humanity.
"Dedicated to giving back to the community, GE Canada and GE Capital businesses are pleased to be involved
with Habitat for Humanity, an organization that helps anyone own a home," said Robert T.E. Gillespie, Chairman
& CEO, GE Canada.
While GE Capital Mortgage Insurance Canada is leading the GE initiative, GE Lighting, GE Capital Real Estate, GE
Capital IT Solutions and GE Canada Corporate Donations have all contributed to the gift.
Along with the monetary donation, GE Canada businesses have committed volunteers through the Elfun Society, the
company's employee volunteer organization. The Elfun Society supports a variety of community projects from working
with the disabled, to mentoring students in schools across Canada, to reaching out to disaster victims.
During the Habitat for Humanity National Build in Windsor, July 16th - 21st, over 60 GE employees will help construct
10 houses in the Windsor area.
In 2000, Habitat for Humanity plans to build 115 houses across Canada and GE Canada and GE Capital employees in
each of these communities will be involved. In an ongoing effort to support the cause, GE Canada and GE Capital
Canada businesses are continuing to explore opportunities for further involvement including GE product donations.
"Habitat is very excited about our new relationship with the GE Canada businesses," said Bobbye Goldenberg,
CEO Habitat for Humanity Canada.
Habitat for Humanity Canada, founded in 1985, is an independent, non-profit Christian housing program dedicated
to the elimination of substandard and poverty housing by building homes and hope with families in need. There are
now 51 affiliates in all 10 provinces. Homeowners contribute hundreds of hours of "sweat" equity, or
volunteer time, towards the building of their own home before assuming a long-term, no-interest mortgage.
GE is a diversified technology, manufacturing and services company with a commitment to achieving worldwide leadership
in each of its businesses. GE operates in more that 100 countries around the world and employs approximately 340,000
people worldwide. In Canada, GE has more than 150 sales and service locations, 12 major manufacturing plants and
10,000 employees.
For further information: on Habitat for Humanity Canada: David
Beckerson, (519) 885.4565, www.habitat.ca; Tania Ensor, DBA Communications,
(416) 591-7783 ext. 105, ensor@dbapr.com