Tile Partners for Humanity Donate Coverings Tile a
Orlando, FL, April 24, 2006--A convoy of six trailer trucks pulled out of the Orange County Convention Center at the close of the 19th edition of Coverings carrying tons of ceramic tile and stone from the four-day expo to housing projects in the Orlando area earmarked for families and individuals in need of shelter.
Filling 155 pallets, the collection of tile, stone, marble, adhesives, tools, cleaners and sealants represented contributions from the trade show’s 1,200 exhibitors who rallied again this year in a commitment to Tile Partners for Humanity (TPFH). Additionally, Freeman, the service contractor for Coverings, donated the labor for gathering these goods from the show floor and transporting them to Habitat for Humanity, which subsequently helped to distribute the donations throughout the area.
“This is a component of Coverings that makes every one of us feel proud,” said Tamara Christian, Coverings show director and president of National Trade Productions. “It is helping out so many deserving families in the Orlando community who are grateful just to have the very basic needs of a finished floor, a shower, a kitchen. They really appreciate the tile and stone contribution. It is precious material to them because it’s helping them rebuild their lives.”
According to Allyson Fertitta, executive director of TPFH, this is the third year Coverings has partnered with the organization. All told in that time, she estimates exhibitors have contributed materials valued at several hundreds of thousands of dollars. She noted that in addition to being provided for installation in projects currently underway, some of the donations also will end up in the Habitat Home Store and will be sold, generating revenue to help fund new construction. And, as sizable as the product donations have been each year, she said, Coverings management also adds a substantial cash contribution to TPFH. “They are extraordinarily generous.”
“There is a great need for affordable housing in this community,” she continued, “and Habitat for Humanity is doing an amazing job addressing the issue. We are grateful to partners, like Coverings, who step up to the plate and actively work with exhibitors to acquaint them with all the benefits. It’s a win-win program for all who become involved.”
Habitat for Humanity International, based in Americus, GA, is an ecumenical Christian ministry that welcomes to its work all people dedicated to the cause of eliminating poverty housing. Since 1976, Habitat has built more than 200,000 houses in nearly 100 countries, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than one million people. For more information, visit www.habitat.org.
Tile Partners for Humanity is supported by funding and donations from within the tile industry. Its board of directors is comprised of representatives from leading industry organizations, including the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation, Ceramic Tile Institute of America, the Ceramic Tile Distributors Association, National Tile Contractors Association, Tile Council of North America, Tile Heritage Foundation and the Tile Doctor.com. For more information, or to make a donation, contact 770-416-0200, email at ally@tpfh.com, or visit www.tpfh.com.
