Legrand, a company that brings power, light, and data to millions of spaces worldwide, aims to help wounded veterans with its charitable efforts.
By Sarah Binder
For the second year, Legrand, North America, a firm that specializes in electrical and digital building infrastructures, donated the proceeds from its national sales meeting fundraiser to Building Homes for Heroes, an organization that helps wounded veterans.
The funds — totaling $161,000 — stem from money raised by Legrand sales teams, executive leaders and partners, and matched by Legrand. They will be used to build new homes for veterans, and to install appropriate home automation technologies.
“Building Homes for Heroes is one of the national charitable organizations that Legrand supports as part of its Better Communities initiative,” says Brian DiBella, president of the company’s EWS division. “Our purpose in this initiative is to enhance community and employee welfare through programs that help people enjoy healthier, more productive and more rewarding lives.”
A portion of this year’s donation will support United States Air Force Captain Nathan Nelson, who was injured during his third tour of duty in Afghanistan. Nelson was part of a special operations team that came under heavy fire in September 2013. He sustained a spinal cord injury in addition to multiple other traumas. As a result, Nelson has no movement below his chest and limited use of his hands. He was awarded a Purple Heart and other commendations recognizing his bravery and sacrifice.
In addition to the monetary contribution, Legrand will also donate home automation and electrical solutions to Nelson and other wounded veterans. The products include: Intuity home automation and radiant RF lighting controls, which allow residents to regulate the lights and electrical outlets in their home via smartphone apps, Wattstopper sensors that automatically turn lights on when an individual enters the room and turn off when the room is unoccupied, and Plugmold multi-outlet power strips for USB charging. Once construction on the new home in Florida is complete, Nelson will reside there with his wife, Jennifer, and daughter, Eva.
“We’re really proud of the way Legrand stepped up and showed their support for our veterans, and for the wonderful work Building Homes for Heroes is doing on behalf of those members of the U.S. Armed Forces who return home with serious injuries,” says Paul Finnegan, executive vice president of sales at the Data Communications Division of Legrand.
Building Homes for Heroes is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that was founded in 2006. It builds or modifies homes to suit a veteran’s specific needs and gifts the home — mortgage-free — to them and their families.
“We are extremely grateful for Legrand’s support for our nation’s injured veterans,” says Andy Pujol, founder and president of Building Homes for Heroes. “Their generous contributions are critical in allowing us to advance our mission of giving back to those who have sacrificed the most to keep our country safe. Together, we are building homes and rebuilding lives.”
John Hoffman of Legrand, with Gonzalez and his family, Andy Pujol of Building Homes for Heroes, and Bob Bonacc of Legrand.
This story originally appeared in Unique Homes Ultimate ’17. Click here to see the digital version.