GAF Announces Hurricane Michael Disaster Assistance Efforts
Commits $1 million to help customers, partners and the communities served together in Northwest Florida
Parsippany, N.J. (October 22, 2018) – GAF, the largest roofing and waterproofing manufacturer in North America, has made a commitment of $1 million in total assistance to support Hurricane Michael recovery efforts. GAF’s support comes in the form of direct relief, a $250,000 donation to Team Rubicon, and in-kind donations of roofing materials to multiple relief organizations.
Northwest Florida is home to dozens of GAF factory-certified contractors and distribution partners, as well as the thousands of customers they serve. This commitment is part of GAF’s ongoing disaster relief efforts to support their employees, partners and the communities where they operate.
“It has been incredibly difficult for us to watch the devastation of Hurricane Michael, especially after witnessing the impact of Hurricane Florence. Only weeks ago it had a major impact on Burgaw, N.C. and our colleagues who work at our manufacturing plant there are still dealing with the aftermath,” said Jim Schnepper, president of GAF. “Protecting what matters most is at the core of what we do, and that is why we are committing our expertise, products and financial resources to help our partners and their communities in Florida along the road to recovery.”
GAF’s support of Team Rubicon will help its team of skilled veteran volunteers to continue assisting the most vulnerable communities affected by the storm. Team Rubicon is actively working to help survivors of Hurricane Michael gain access to their homes, clear the damage, and begin the recovery process.
“GAF continues to be an incredible partner to us, once again committing their financial resources and roofing products in support of Team Rubicon’s mission,” said David Burke, vice president of Programs and Field Operations at Team Rubicon. “Team Rubicon is providing immediate assistance in the wake of Hurricane Michael and thanks to the GAF’s ongoing support, we’re also prepared to support the long-term recovery needs of survivors. A year later, Team Rubicon is also rebuilding homes in Florida, Texas, and Puerto Rico in areas still reeling from the 2017 hurricane season.”
As communities look to rebuild, GAF has also committed to donating enough roofing shingles to replace the roofs of more than 200 homes in the hardest hit communities. The product will be distributed through various partners, including Good360, a global leader in product philanthropy and purposeful giving. Good360 works with recovery agencies, local recovery groups, and vetted nonprofits to make sure donated products have maximum impact by making them available at the right place and at the right time.
In addition to its financial and product donations, GAF delivered relief items – food, water, diapers, pet food, etc. – to centers located at customer sites in the hardest hit parts of Florida. These centers were established by these customers to assist their employees and communities recover from the storm.