AN INITIATIVE to get American children fitter is running successfully in the Houston area thanks to the can-do attitude of INEOS staff.
They have been regularly funding and organising GO Run For Fun events for the past four years.
“The first-ever Go Run For Fun was so well received by the pilot schools that INEOS decided to keep it going but unfortunately, we couldn’t find a company that could run the events for us,” said Kathryn Shuler, who is based at INEOS’ O&P site in Texas.
So INEOS O&P USA did the next best thing. It founded a children’s health and education charity which now raises money to host the runs, delivers the runs, enables schools to buy materials for special projects and helps out in the event of local disasters, such as Hurricane Harvey.
So far, INEOS vendors and employees have contributed $650,000 through fundraising events and direct donations, with proceeds funding GO Run For Fun and other events. Teams from INEOS Oligomers, O&P USA, Oxides and Styrolution have staged more than 70 fun runs for over 45,000 children. The foundation has also donated $75,000 to schools in support of educational programmes and more than $15,000 for disaster relief.
“We want our communities to be full of healthy, educated kids,” said Kathryn. “So our mission is to work with teachers and schools to help children to become more physically active and educated.”
About 20% of children in Texas are classed as overweight.
“Local employees are key to the foundation’s fundraising efforts,” said Kathryn, Executive Director of the foundation.
Some might make a one-off donation to a specific campaign; others contribute on a monthly basis through their wages.
Other staff highlight forthcoming fundraising events to vendors and another group of employees regularly volunteer to help at fundraising events.
Working closely with Kathryn are Lori Ginsburg and Sara Cassells. Lori’s job is primarily marketing and fundraising; Sara’s in charge of logistics.
“Inactivity is at an all-time high and our kids need exercise,” said Kathryn. “INEOS employees, vendors, and the ICAN Foundation are here to help.”