The roofing industry once again showed up in a big way for the residents of New Orleans still in need of assistance following major storm seasons during Community Service Day at the 2022 International Roofing Expo (IRE). 

The tradition began in New Orleans in 2010 as residents still dealt with the devastation left by Hurricane Katrina. More than 50 volunteers from all parts of the roofing industry returned this month to help three homes needing repairs from Hurricanes Laura and Ida, which struck the Big Easy in 2020 and 2021, respectively.

Brandi McElhaney, senior conference manager with Informa Markets, and who organizes the annual Community Service Day efforts on the eve of each IRE, said it was special to be back in New Orleans.

“It all began here, and being from New Orleans, it meant a lot to be able to help people get back into their homes after the devastating storms,” she said in a recent video chat with RC. 

In addition to sponsoring the roofing industry’s efforts on Community Service Day, GAF stepped up in a major way – pledging to replace 50 roofs in the greater New Orleans area. The pledge was in response to an ambitious goal to replace 100 roofs in 2022 by Rebuilding Together New Orleans, a nonprofit, volunteer-based program that repairs and rehabilitates homes and nonprofit community facilities. Now, they’re halfway toward their annual goal and building momentum for future donations.

Andy Hilton, GAF’s chief communications officer and head of corporate social responsibility, said the opportunity to give back is right in line with the company’s community outreach initiatives.

“We work with Rebuilding Together is several markets and are deeply committed to them, and the people to the gulf region and this fits really well with our social impact program, GAF Community Matters,” Hilton explained. 

Check out the entire 10-minute conversation and learn how you can help by clicking on the video.