January 05, 2021
HPBA Partners with StoveTeam International to Promote Safer Wood Cooking Stoves in Central America
Arlington, VA, January 5, 2021 – The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association announced today that it has named StoveTeam International as its second Charity of Choice. The Board of Directors approved this designation at its October Board meeting. HPBA will work with its members to support StoveTeam work to make efficient, clean, and simple wood-burning cookstoves available in Latin America.
“Our members are eager to support worthy causes and StoveTeam’s mission is an ideal fit,” noted Jack Goldman, President and CEO of HPBA. “We look forward to doing our part to help more people in Central America get StoveTeam’s more efficient and safer stoves.”
Around the world, four billion people cook over smoky and dangerous indoor open fires, and four million people die each year as a direct result, mostly women and children. StoveTeam International works to facilitate the placement of low-smoke, fuel-efficient wood-burning stoves in homes throughout Latin America. The new stoves make the home a safer place due to less smoke, saves forests and trees due to the efficiency of the stoves, and protects the occupants with a stove that is much less dangerous to use than the open fire pits currently in use. By engaging each family to help build the base for their stove, the owner has a stake in the product with the pride of ownership.
HPBA members will have the option to participate in several ways, including a donation based on percentage of sale of select products, a fundraiser, or even just a direct donation by the retailer or the consumer. StoveTeam will work with any HPBA member who is interested in participating to develop a plan that works best for their company.
“We are delighted to be selected by HPBA to be their Charity of Choice. We have a background in hearth products and accessories and this will be a great partnership,” stated Shelby Kardas, Executive Director of StoveTeam.
StoveTeam International will join Operation BBQ Relief as HPBA’s other Charity of Choice. “Our commitment continues with OBR and we think StoveTeam is the perfect addition,” Goldman stated.
StoveTeam International will also participate at HPBExpo 2021 in Louisville, Kentucky in June. They will have space at the Outdoor Burn where they will construct one of their stoves on the first day and then cook food on it to demonstrate how it works.
About the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA)
The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA), based in Arlington, Va., is the North American industry association for manufacturers, retailers, distributors, representatives, service firms and allied associates for all types of barbecue, patio and hearth appliances, fuels and accessories. The association provides professional member services and industry support in education, statistics, government relations, marketing, advertising and consumer education.
Media Contact: Emily McGee, 703-522-0086, ext. 116, mcgee@hpba.org