HELPS International received 100,000 Euros from the Henkel MIT (Make an Impact on Tomorrow) Initiative. The "HELPS Changing Lives" project in Guatemala was chosen out of 86 entries from all over the world for this grant project. This program will be implemented in Santa Clara La Laguna, Sololá to benefit 120 families through programs of preventative health, home transformation, and participation in HELPS' Corn Program. On March 15, a HELPS home transformation team, accompanied by Kirsten Sánchez Marín (Administrative Director of HENKEL in Central America), and the family of Mr. and Mrs. Francisco and Manuela Chacom worked to transform their house into a real "home."
"I am still overwhelmed by the fact that a simple idea and a visit to the rural area of Guatemala can move hundreds of people to be part of this amazing experience. When I handed in the project for the 10th anniversary competition I hoped, but never really believed, that we will really get to do it here in Guatemala. And even less, could I imagine the support and enthusiasm of our international team. While doubting in the beginning if we would be able to get enough people together for one volunteer team, we are now planning at least five teams, meaning over 100 Henkel employees making an impact, not only on tomorrow, but on the whole future of these families! Thanks to all for your support – and let's continue changing lives, the lives of the families and our own!" ---Kristen Sánchez, Administrative Director of HENKEL in Central America
Henkel markets a wide range of well-known consumer and industrial brands in North America, including Dial® soap, Purex® laundry detergent, Right Guard® antiperspirants, got2b® hair gels, and Loctite® adhesives. For more than 130 years, Henkel has been a leader with brands and technologies that make people's lives easier, better and more beautiful. Henkel operates in three business areas – Home Care, Personal Care, and Adhesive Technologies – and is ranked among the Fortune Global 500 companies. More than 60 percent of Henkel's sales are in consumer goods, while the industrial business accounts for almost 40 percent of the company's total sales. In fiscal 2008, Henkel generated sales of 14,131 million euros and an adjusted operating profit of 1,460 million euros. More than 55,000 employees worldwide are dedicated to fulfilling the corporate claim, "A Brand like a Friend," and ensuring that people in more than 125 countries can trust in brands and technologies from Henkel.
