COLUMBUS, Ohio — Heating, Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Distributors International's (HARDI) philanthropic arm, Helping All Live On (HALO), finished 2015 shattering records and raising more than $60,000 for Homes for Our Troops (HFOT), a charitable organization that builds specially-adapted, mortgage-free homes for post-9/11 Veterans who suffer life-altering injuries in combat.

Efforts in 2015 nearly tripled those of the previous year, which raised $22,000.

Throughout the year, HARDI members supported HALO through various fundraisers such as scratch and dent sales, golf tournaments, potlucks, and bake sales. One company even created a contractor program that donated a portion of proceeds from installed thermostats. Additionally, HALO raised over $19,000 through more than 55 items contributed to the annual Silent Auction.

“These Veterans -- young men and women -- have gone halfway around the world and suffered injuries that have literally altered the course of their lives – often narrowly escaping death or losing friends and comrades in the process,” said Dave Chatmon, Impact Committee chair, HARDI. “Helping them have homes adapted to their injuries gives them back some independence – independence that we enjoy because of their sacrifices. The question isn’t whether or not to give; it’s how much can we give.”

Notable contributions were made by Coastal HVAC Supply, Houston;, White-Rogers, St. Louis, Missouri; and Arkema, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. 

HARDI’s Impact Committee, which drives association and member participation with Homes for Our Troops (HFOT), is seeking to continue this upward trend and is requesting HARDI members’ participation, support and fundraising ideas for 2016.

“There are so many ways to support HALO,” said Mike Braun, vice chair of the Impact Committee. “It can be as simple as passing the hat around the office or as elaborate as building a sales incentive around it. This is a great opportunity to be innovative and find new ways to raise money and tie it into your 2016 goals and strategies.”

Anyone interested in getting involved can contact Sue Calvin, staff liaison for the Impact Committee, at 614-345-4328.