The Community Foundation of Southwest Louisiana has activated its Emergency Relief Fund and received contributions from LyondellBasell, Sasol and the Baton Rouge Area Foundation. The first donation on its way to Beauregard Parish first responders is 64,000 IV Fluid Packs specifically requested by the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness to help firefighters and other first responders stay hydrated.

“Having gone through more than our share of natural disasters in our region, we know that making financial contributions to a fund like the Community Foundation’s Relief Fund allows strategic decisions to be made on what is most needed and where. It also allows people, companies and volunteer groups to give what they can and then those resources are pooled and can be put to the best use,” said Sara Judson, president and CEO of the Community Foundation of SWLA. “In this case, GOHSEP requested the liquid hydration packs to be available as quickly as possible, so these initial contributions are fulfilling that request today,”
she added.

“As the communities of Southwest Louisiana come together to assist our neighbors in Beauregard Parish, we also want to support the first responders, local governments, and non-profit organizations who are working relentlessly to contain these fires and ensure the safety for all,” said David Schrutka, site manager at LyondellBasell.

Sasol and LyondellBasell have both made contributions of skilled staff, dollars and supplies. Volunteer Emergency Response Team members from both companies, all who have received formal firefighting training, have been deployed to respond to the wildfires.

“Sasol is committed to supporting first responders, local governments, and non-profit organizations as they fight to contain fires in our neighboring communities,” said Sasol Vice President of Operations Eric Walker. “Southwest Louisiana is home to our more than 800 employees, and our heartfelt thoughts are with everyone affected by the wildfires, including the firefighters and other responders working tirelessly in challenging conditions,” he added.

In addition to boots on the ground, $10,000 from the Sasol Fund at the Community Foundation has been directed to the Emergency Relief Fund to meet the specific needs of those responding to the fires in Beauregard Parish. LyondellBasell contributed $25,000 to the fund and the Baton Rouge Area Foundation, a partner of the Community Foundation, has contributed $60,000.

“LyondellBasell works to build long-lasting relationships with our neighbors to support a strong community. Today, we are joining the residents and organizations of Southwest Louisiana to demonstrate our support and extend our heartfelt thoughts to the people of Beauregard Parish, as well as the first responders, firefighters and volunteers who are responding to this emergency,” said Armando Lara, site manager at LyondellBasell.

Others wishing to make donations to support the relief efforts in Beauregard Parish may do so online: www.foundationswla.org of by mailing a check to the Community Foundation of SWLA, memo Emergency Relief Fund, to P.O. Box 3125, Lake Charles, LA 70602.