HOUSTON, Dec. 17, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- LyondellBasell (NYSE: LYB), one of the world's largest plastics, chemical and refining companies, today announced a holiday donation of $70,000 that will be used to support the purchase of additional safety equipment that is on the "wish lists" of local police and firefighting agencies.
"At the holidays, we are called to focus on the needs of others. The Houston police and firefighters work around the clock, regardless of weather conditions, often sacrificing their own holiday celebrations with family and friends to keep us safe," said Bob Patel, CEO and chairman of the management board of LyondellBasell. "Because safety is at the core of our culture, we wanted to purchase needed safety equipment on these agencies' 'wish lists.' In doing so, our goal is to support our community, not just during the holidays, but every day."
Surrounded by several hundred employees and joined by Houston Fire Chief Rodney West and Houston Police Chief Charles McClelland, Patel presented $35,000 checks to the Fire Fighters Foundation of Houston and the Houston Police Foundation, respectively.
Fire Fighters Foundation of Houston Grant
The Fire Fighters Foundation of Houston will use the donation to support the purchase of three additional rescue boats which can be used during search and rescue missions, like those conducted during the 2015 Memorial Day floods.
"When responding to incidents, fire fighters require specialized equipment, not always covered in our operating budget," said Houston Fire Chief Rodney West. "LyondellBasell's generous gift to the Fire Fighters Foundation of Houston will be used for equipment that could literally mean the difference between life and death. This is a holiday gift that will keep on giving."
Police Foundation Grant
The Houston Police Foundation will use the donation to purchase tactical vests worn by officers in the field.
"The safety of our officers is critical to keeping our city a safe place to live and work," said Houston Police Chief Charles McClelland. "LyondellBasell's very generous support of the Houston Police Foundation will not only help our officers do their day jobs, but more importantly, to return home safely every night."
In addition to these specific gifts, LyondellBasell was recently recognized as one of the top 10 corporate fundraisers by the United Way of Greater Houston; is one of a small group of companies nationally to be awarded The U.S. President's Volunteer Service Award by Junior Achievement for over 10,000 volunteer hours; and has provided over $1.1 million in grants to local education and charitable organizations in 2015.
About LyondellBasell
LyondellBasell (NYSE: LYB) is one of the world's largest plastics, chemical and refining companies, with more than 4,000 employees in the greater Houston area. The company manufactures products at 56 sites in 19 countries. LyondellBasell products and technologies are used to make items that improve the quality of life for people around the world including packaging, electronics, automotive parts, home furnishings, construction materials and biofuels. More information about LyondellBasell can be found at www.lyb.com.
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SOURCE LyondellBasell