The Uponor Unsung Heroes program launched in 2022 and aims to recognize the selfless, community-focused efforts of Uponor employees around the world.

Established as the community investment arm of Terracon, the foundation has granted nearly $4 million to community organizations, universities and dependents of employees, as well as disaster relief efforts.

The donation included gallons of hand sanitizer gel, a pallet of stainless steel hand sanitizer dispensers —  with stand-alone and wall-mounted units —  and batteries to operate the dispensers.

Manufacturers’ representative Specified Systems and REHAU teamed up to donate RAUPEX crosslinked polyethylene (PEXa) pipe, EVERLOC+ compression-sleeve fittings and F1960 cold expansion fittings to the $18 million new training facility.

This donation will support the creation and growth of affordable housing by providing reliable access to hot water in the historic Nicholtown neighborhood. 

Product donations will be used in VTI's plumbing shop and as part of its plumbing program. In 2022, VTI plans to use Saniflo's Sanibest Pro Grinders and Sanicom 1 drain pumps in a model home created as a practical learning environment for students.

In addition to the Foundation’s direct financial support, A. O. Smith has also partnered with the American Red Cross to create a donation microsite to assist employees in making personal contributions to the relief efforts if they choose.

A. O. Smith donated 24 tankless water heaters valued at over $25,000 to House of Hope Village, a community of highly efficient tiny homes which will provide temporary, dignified transitional housing to community members in need. 

This donation coincides with Elkay’s milestone of the production of the one millionth ezH2O bottle filling station, which was installed in Chicago’s Garfield Park neighborhood late last month.