Sounds of joy rang through the house at the official Dedication Celebration for the Harlee Family's Habitat for Humanity home on Wednesday, July 30. Habitat for Humanity of Charlotte officials and representatives of sponsor Oticon, Inc. welcomed Carla Harlee and sons, Brennen, age 10 and Eric, age 8, and twin daughters Kayana and Dayana, age 14, to their new home. Oticon, a leading hearing device manufacturer, donated $60,000 to sponsor the single-family dwelling as part of its Building Sound Foundations™ program in celebration of the American Academy of Audiology's 20th Anniversary.
Oticon President Peer Lauritsen joined with Bert Green, executive director of Habitat Charlotte and American Academy of Audiology Executive Director Cheryl Kreider Carey, CAE to present the keys to the new homeowner. The 1230-square-foot, four-bedroom residence on West Todd Lane in Charlotte is the 68th home constructed by Habitat for Humanity Charlotte this year.
"Providing solutions that enable people to live their lives to the fullest potential is the goal of everything we do at Oticon, Inc.," stated Lauritsen. "Building a home is a bit different than building a hearing device but the desired outcome is the same - to change people's lives for the better. We are proud to have had the opportunity to work with Habitat for Humanity Charlotte and our valued partners at the American Academy of Audiology to help make the Harlee Family's dream of a home of their own a reality."
AAA Executive Director Carey noted that the unique humanitarian effort reflects the importance of the relationship between the hearing care industry and association members in achieving goals that benefit people with hearing loss. "We are honored that Oticon has chosen this very public effort to celebrate the American Academy of Audiology's first 20 years of advancing the profession of audiology through leadership, advocacy, education, public awareness, and support of research. It is a wonderful way to demonstrate to the general public the caring and commitment to improving life that are at the core of our profession," she added.
The new home is truly a labor of love - for volunteers, sponsor and family members. One of the unique features of the Habitat Charlotte program is the commitment by homeowners that they will apply "sweat equity" to the construction of their houses.
"We enjoyed helping other Habitat homeowners build their homes, but building our own home was so special to us. We truly bless and praise this program and all who support it," said Carla Harlee.
As part of the celebration, the family received a hand-made quilt by North Carolina artist Kay Young, a framed family portrait from Oticon, and the volunteer signature book from the building site along with traditional Habitat for Humanity gifts: a tool kit, a homeowner's manual and a Bible.
For more information about Oticon, visit www.oticonusa.com or the Oticon Web Channel on Audiology Online at www.audiologyonline.com/channels/oticon.asp
