OREANDA-NEWS.  September 26, 2014. General Motors and several of its suppliers are expanding their buying-and-selling relationship to benefit Habitat for Humanity Detroit through financial contributions and side-by-side volunteer efforts as part of its newly formed initiative called Supplying Communities Together.

Grace Lieblein, GM vice president Global Purchasing and Supply Chain and GM Foundation board member, announced Wednesday that the GM Foundation and several GM suppliers have pledged to donate USD948,500 and commit 2,500 employee work hours to Habitat for Humanity Detroit.

“It’s about building lasting relationships that matter – the ones that help you better communicate, problem-solve, share ideas and work together as a team,” said Lieblein. “This is a win-win-win for our communities, our suppliers and GM.”

Through Supplying Communities Together, the combined teams participate in activities with charitable organizations to strengthen their relationships and to enhance everyday life in the communities where they live and work.

“This is another joint effort that will engage our employees for a great cause,” said Matt Simoncini, president, CEO and director of Lear Corp., speaking on behalf of the companies participating in Supplying Communities Together.  “We have been business partners with General Motors as well as partners in community projects and charitable causes for a long time.”

Including a USD 100,000 grant to support its continued partnership with Habitat and the overall resurgence of Detroit, the GM Foundation has donated a total of USD 500,000 to Habitat for Humanity Detroit this year. The funds support 16 Detroit families, providing new or rehabilitated homeownership and critical repairs.

Overall, the GM Foundation has granted nearly USD 1.6 million to Habitat for Humanity in 2014. Along with efforts in Detroit and across Michigan, the funds support at least 10 new-home builds and 15 neighborhood revitalization projects across the United States, as well as a special veterans’ program in partnership with up to 50 Habitat affiliates.

This is the second consecutive year the GM Foundation has provided grants to Habitat for Humanity, bringing its total support to more than USD 3 million.

“Supplier relationships are a priority for our team,” said Lieblein. “We clearly realize that our suppliers are essential to GM’s efforts to provide customers with the best products and overall experience in the industry.”