Somfy Puts Its Hand Up for Habitat

Somfy recently partnered with Habitat for Humanity to assist in making a house a home for women and children escaping domestic violence. A group of volunteers from the Somfy Oceania Team painted a four-bedroom house over a two-day period.

Somfy Oceania’s Strategic Marketing Manager Jade Coote said the team thoroughly enjoyed the experience, “swapping the corporate world, for a day helping those in our community who need it most is truly a rewarding and uplifting experience.”

“It was tough work and it was a step out of my comfort zone behind a computer but it meant a lot to be able to help a family in need,” said Somfy Oceania’s Digital Marketing Specialist, Mary Maidiotis.

“I was amazed at how much our team accomplished over the two days,” said Somfy Oceania’s Regional Sales Manager NSW/SA, Andrew Bentrup. “It’s nice to put out so much energy and effort knowing that it is going to a good cause.”

Habitat for Humanity, a non-profit organisation which has helped close to ten million people obtain safe and decent housing, partnered with Bonnie Support Services on this project to support families who are escaping domestic violence.

“At Habitat for Humanity, we believe a stable, secure home creates the foundation for change, giving people the opportunity to be healthier, happier and more secure,” said Habitat for Humanity NSW’s Construction Manager, Dean Hart. “It was a great effort by the volunteers to complete the work over two days.”

The local initiative is part of Somfy Group and Somfy Foundation’s international program A House Is a Home, providing accommodation for those in need. Somfy Foundation works closely with non-profit organisations to help people suffering from poor housing situations by providing both financial support and a helping human hand.

Somfy Foundation’s Director, Vincent Defrasne said the Somfy Corporate Foundation is committed to helping people suffering from poor housing situations and are particularly proud to support Habitat for Humanity in Sydney.

“By providing both financial support and human help, we are happy to partner with local teams and projects of this inspirational NGO.

“The passion of the volunteers is matched only by their professionalism when it comes to helping people in need and the Somfy Foundation is proud to support such an organisation.”

 “It is always very interesting to share experiences with people involved in NGOs and to find out more about what they do. It definitely encourages me to do it more often, even in a small way,” said Laurine Massiot, Somfy Oceania’s Product Manager.

Jade added, “The Somfy Oceania team values the opportunity to be involved in volunteer days, such as those with our partner organisation, Habitat for Humanity.”

If you would like to get involved with Habitat for Humanity, either locally or overseas, visit habitat.org.au for more information.