Orlando, FL, Mar. 25--Coverings exhibitors have donated 135 pallets and 16 crates of tile, enough to fill six trailers, to Tile Partners for Humanity, a non-profit industry partnership that provides ceramic tile and installation services to Habitat for Humanity projects across the country.
A portion of the tile collected from the show will be used in the kitchens, entryways and bathrooms of Habitat for Humanity homes currently under construction in the Orlando area; the remaining tile will be sold through the Habitat Home Store in Orlando with one hundred percent of the proceeds used to fund new Habitat for Humanity construction in Orlando. The Habitat Home store estimates that sales of these donations will bring in a minimum of $40,000.
"More than eight million pounds of freight were moved into the convention center last week as our exhibitors set up their displays," says Tamara Christian, Coverings’ show director and president, National Trade Productions. "Of course, not all of the product actually can be used in the booths. Our exhibitors have generously offered to donate their overflow to this very worthy cause."
According to Alan Jewell, construction manager, Habitat for Humanity Orlando, the affiliate is stepping up its efforts to build homes with the most durable, maintenance-free and attractive products possible. "We are interested in increasing the use of tile in our homes because we know the floors will look as beautiful, and retain their performance and appearance, 10 years from now as well as they do on dedication day. Through donations like this one from Coverings, Habitat for Humanity Orlando is building dignity, community and hope," Jewell adds.
Freeman Decorating Company donated labor and transportation for this donation.
TPFH is supported by donations of money and materials from within the tile industry. Its board of directors includes representatives of the leading industry organizations, including the Ceramic Tile Distributors Association, Ceramic Tile Education Foundation, Ceramic Tile Institute
of America, National Tile Contractors Association, The Tile Doctor.com, Tile Council of North America, and Tile Heritage Foundation.
Habitat is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry based in Americus, Ga., with more than 1,900 active affiliates in 83 countries, 1,700 in the U.S. Affiliates are independent, nonprofit, locally run organizations that coordinate construction projects in their communities. For more information or to coordinate a donation in your community, contact TPFH at (770) 416-0200 or via email at ally@tpfh.com or visit www.tpfh.com.
