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Valspar Donates 1 Millionth Gallon to Habitat for Humanity

Friday, September 17, 2010

The Valspar Corp. and Habitat for Humanity International are celebrating a partnership that has endured through 31 years and 1 million gallons of paint.

Valspar donated its millionth gallon to the non-profit building organization in a ceremony Tuesday (Sept. 14) in Minnesota’s Twin Cities, where the partnership began in 1979. The event included the unveiling of a two-story home built of Valspar paint cans.

“Our corporate theme is ‘if it matters, we're on it,’” said William L. Mansfield, Valspar chairman and CEO. “Through our wonderful relationship with Habitat for Humanity International, we continue to learn just how much affordable housing matters, and it is our great pleasure to help address this important need.”

Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak and St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman paid tribute to both organizations' work in the Twin Cities and across the country.

A Brush with Kindness

Valspar's support for Habitat began in 1979 when it provided paint and services to Habitat for Humanity Twin Cities. Later, the parties founded A Brush with Kindness, then a pilot revitalization program that helped transform neighborhoods by painting home exteriors and providing landscaping and minor repairs for low-income, disabled or senior homeowners.

In 2002, Valspar became a national partner of Habitat for Humanity. In 2008, the Valspar Foundation committed financial support to help the nonprofit build A Brush with Kindness into a nationwide program. More than 225 Habitat affiliates across the country now offer the program.

By 2012, the company says, it will have donated more than $45 million in paint and cash.

‘Opportunity to Transform Neighborhoods’

“One million gallons of paint is an important milestone, but what we're really celebrating today is how our partnership with Habitat for Humanity has allowed Valspar the unique opportunity to transform neighborhoods by putting fresh coats of paint on homes,” said Valspar president and COO Gary E. Hendrickson.

Valspar has been “a great partner in helping us touch all the houses in neighborhoods where we are focusing on revitalization,” said Mark Crozet, senior vice president of resource development for Habitat for Humanity International. ”We are very grateful for their support.”

“As we seek to build strong communities, we find that together new construction, rehabs, repairs and even a coat of paint on some houses can improve neighborhoods,” Crozet said.