Exxon Mobil Corporation, Chevron and Marathon have donated millions of dollars to assist in disaster relief efforts in Golf Coast communities ravaged by hurricanes.
ExxonMobil donated $5 million, Chevron donated $3 million and Marathon gave $1.5 million. Last week, Exxon also donated $1.5 million for disaster relief efforts in the wake of Hurricane Gustav.
“Hurricane Ike caused untold damage affecting millions of people, many of whom require the basic essentials – food, water and shelter,” said Rex W. Tillerson, ExxonMobil’s chairman and CEO. “It is our hope that this donation will provide some relief in affected areas.”
ExxonMobil’s recent donation is being directed to the American Red Cross, the United Way, the Salvation Army and the Texas Disaster Relief Fund, established by Gov. Rick Perry.
“Our thoughts are with those affected by the storm, including about 25,000 ExxonMobil employees and their families across southern Texas and Louisiana,” said Tillerson. “Our focus now is on the recovery – helping our employees, their families and their communities as they deal with the aftermath of the storm and in planning for a safe resumption of our operations in the region, which are vital to the nation’s energy supply.”
ExxonMobil said one of the most affected areas, Houston, is home to the company’s largest employee population – about 16,000 employees and 5,500 retirees. It is headquarters for six of ExxonMobil’s operating companies.
Marathon contributed $1.5 million to the American Red Cross to support relief efforts in the wake of Hurricanes Ike and Gustav. $1 million has been allocated to Hurricane Ike, with the remaining $500,000 targeted for ongoing Hurricane Gustav relief efforts.
Like Exxon, Marathon said it’s closely monitoring the needs of its employees in the affected areas. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the communities along the Texas and Louisiana Gulf Coast as we brace for Hurricane Ike,” said Clarence Cazalot Jr., Marathon’s president and CEO. “While we do not yet know the full extent of the damage this dangerous storm will cause, early predictions of a potentially severe impact to our region have prompted us to come forward with this initial contribution to help ensure our community has the resources necessary to respond to the needs of our neighbors.”
Chevron, meanwhile, committed $3 million to support recovery efforts in the hurricane-struck areas.
"Our thoughts are with our employees and the communities who have been affected by the hurricanes," said Dave O’Reilly, chairman and CEO of Chevron Corporation. "The need for urgent assistance as well as long-term aid is clear, and Chevron and our employees will continue to look for ways to support our communities in these difficult times."
The commitment will provide assistance to disaster relief efforts along the U.S Gulf Coast, where Chevron has had a long presence, and in the Caribbean, where Chevron has marketing operations under the Texaco brand.
The funds from Chevron will be directed to the Red Cross, Save the Children, Feeding America and the Pan American Development Foundation, together with local charities and relief efforts near Chevron businesses in affected states as determined by the company.