Cornwall, Canada, May 8^th, 2020 – As the coronavirus outbreak has greatly impacted our society and posed major challenges, it has also created opportunities for Canadian businesses, leaders and individuals to step up and support the community during these difficult times.

As part of the “Helping Hands” aid campaign, BASF is involved in fighting against the spread of COVID-19 with numerous actions and contributions in the city of Cornwall. In that regard, the company has donated hand soaps, sanitizer, disinfectant, N95 masks, gloves and goggles to the Cornwall community health care facilities.

“Since the COVID-19 crisis started, we have heen continuously working on identifying all the areas where BASF could positively contribute to our communities in Canada” says Diana Rourke, BASF’s Cornall Site Director. “In Cornwall, we are putting all our efforts into supporting those who are particularly in need: healthcare facilities and essential service professionals. I am very proud of all the employees who work at our site for rallying around this cause to make an impact and assist the Cornwall super heroes who keep us all save and healthy”.

Classified as an essential chemical manufacturer, BASF’s Cornwall site has continued to operate and supplied the food, medical and construction industries.

At a national level, with the goal of helping overcome current and future bottlenecks for hand sanitizer, BASF has started production of hand sanitizers at its Windsor site, in Ontario. This safe and high-quality sanitizing product is being donated to hospitals, care facilities and other institutions in areas of high need, identified in collaboration with the provincial governments of Quebec, Ontario and Alberta.

Moreover, BASF joined COVID-19 hunger relief efforts with a donation of over $64,000 to Food Banks Canada. The company’s employees participated in a virtual food drive in March and April to support the 3,000+ food banks and community agencies across Canada. The contribution will support food purchasing, distribution and resourcing within food banks across the country helping ensure the Canadians have the support they need during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Globally, BASF Group currently supplies around 175,000 liters of hand sanitizer weekly free of charge and has recently donated over 100 million protective masks.