Lending a Helping Hand to Detroit Non-Profits

DETROIT, July 13, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The Freudenberg Group announced its three-year partnership with two Detroit non-profit organizations. The company is donating a total of $150,000 to The Greening of Detroit and Beyond Basics over the next three years.

In the closing of its global management meeting held in Detroit July 8-11, 2015, Hanno D. Wentzler, member of the Executive Council of the Freudenberg Group, introduced the company's new corporate giving initiative, called "e²". In next five years, the company plans to donate ten million euros to support initiatives in the fields of education and environment in communities around the world in which Freudenberg does business. But the program is not simply a monetary giving campaign; all donations will be complemented with direct involvement of Freudenberg associates, provision of Freudenberg expertise or knowledge, or other non-monetary means. The program name, "e²" stands for the two focus areas for the Initiative: education and environment.

"Accepting responsibility for the communities we do business in or we feel connected to is part of our corporate citizenship approach. Contemplating where we can make most impact both with monetary donations and with our time and expertise, we concluded that we can contribute most in the areas of environmental protection and helping people get a quality education to provide access to the labor market. Advancements in these two areas will have the greatest impact on future generations. In Detroit, the wonderful host city of our global executive meeting, community organizations are thriving. We picked two organizations that are making a clear difference in these two areas," explained Hanno D. Wentzler.

"Beyond Basics and The Greening of Detroit were chosen as pilot projects for our 'e^2' corporate giving program based on recommendations of Freudenberg's southeast Michigan workforce. With around 600 Freudenberg employees in the region, we have the opportunity to supplement the monetary award with volunteer hours, giving our employees the opportunity to provide individual contribution to these great organizations. Also, the multi-year support to these worthy organizations reflects Freudenberg's guiding principle of long-term commitment," said Bob Evans, Freudenberg's regional representative for North America.

Pamela Good, president and executive director of Beyond Basics as well as Monica Tabares, director of development and Trish Hubbell, marketing director at The Greening of Detroit were on hand for the official announcement.

"We are thrilled to work with Freudenberg on their environment initiative, look forward to working with the Freudenberg team to create meaningful volunteer experiences that benefit the ecosystem in the city of Detroit," said Rebecca Salminen Witt, president of The Greening of Detroit.  "We are especially grateful for Freudenberg's generous long-term financial commitment, and look forward to building a strong, collaborative relationship with the Freudenberg team!"

"We are honored to have been selected by Freudenberg as the education partner they believe can make a difference in Detroit," said Pamela Good and added, "We have a vision to change the destiny of vulnerable communities through literacy, and Freudenberg's financial and volunteer support will make a substantial difference in the destiny of many children and the future of Detroit.  Through our shared values of community and education, we will be bringing in our tutoring program and literacy suite to Burton International School beginning in the fall of 2015 and impacting lives one child at a time.  We hope others will join Freudenberg in a similar manner and help provide children the better options that come with literacy!"

Freudenberg has a long tradition of support of communities in which it operates. Some of the major long-term community support projects include:

• Annual grants of about 2.5 million euros for scientific research, education and advancement of peaceful coexistence in society provided by the Freudenberg Foundation;
• State recognized training center based on German apprenticeship program in Nagapattinam, India, opened after the devastating tsunami struck the region in December 2004, and
• Primary school in Haijin village, near the city of Jiangyou, rebuilt by Freudenberg after the horrific earthquake in the Sichuan region in May 2008.

About the Freudenberg Group

Freudenberg is a global technology group that strengthens its customers and society long-term through forward-looking innovations. Together with its partners, customers and the world of science, the Freudenberg Group develops leading-edge technologies, and excellent products, solutions and services for more than 30 market segments and for thousands of applications: seals, vibration control components, nonwovens, filters, specialty chemicals, medical and mechatronic products, IT services and the most modern cleaning products.

Innovation strength, strong customer orientation, diversity and team spirit are the cornerstones of our Group. Commitment to excellence, reliability and pro-active, responsible action belong to the company's core values lived for more than 165 years.

In 2014, the Freudenberg Group employed over 40,000 people in some 60 countries worldwide and generated sales of more than 7 billion Euros (including pro-rata consolidation of 50:50 joint ventures). For more information, please visit www.freudenberg.com

About Freudenberg in North America: Freudenberg North America Limited Partnership is the North American holding company for Freudenberg & Co. of Weinheim, Germany that owns a family of companies which operate unique businesses at 87 locations in North America. Together, these companies provide innovative products and solutions to customers in industries ranging from automotive, aerospace, and medical to chemical, oil and gas, and construction. For further information, please visit www.freudenberg.us

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150713/235476

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150713/235477

SOURCE Freudenberg Group