OOCL donates $100,000 to Universally Accessible Playground

Shown during the City Council presentation (l to r): Mayor Bob Foster, City of Long Beach; Diane Wiley, Executive Director, Partners of Parks; Chris Kozaites, Board President, Partners of Parks; Anthony Otto, Vice President, Long Beach Container Terminals, Inc.; Paul Connolly, Service Center Director, OOCL; and Bob Livingstone, Member, Parks & Recreation Commission.

Orient Overseas Container Line Ltd (OOCL) made the first major donation toward Long Beach’s Universally Accessible Playground project during a ceremony before City Council. The $100,000 contribution was presented to Partners of Parks, which is handling fundraising for the project.

“Long Beach has been a great home for us, and we want to help make this an even better place for all children to live and play,” said Anthony Otto, vice president of OOCL’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Long Beach Container Terminals, Inc. (LBCTI).

According to Partners of Parks Board President, Chris Kozaites, “International transportation has become a key part of the Long Beach economy, and it is also part of the city’s social fabric and future. OOCL and Long Beach Container have demonstrated their commitment to our community through this generous lead donation, which will enable us to launch the playground project.”

OOCL’s donation comes from rebates given to the shipping line for compliance with the Port of Long Beach’s “Green Flag” clean air program. The voluntary program provides rebates for vessels that reduce their speed as they enter and depart Long Beach Harbor. OOCL maintained 100 percent compliance with the program in 2006.

Otto further stated, “OOCL believes that business can be conducted in an environmentally responsible way and still be profitable. Economic drivers are rapidly changing and, as a major player in international shipping, we must lead the way in managing the impact of the cargo process on our local communities.”

Hong Kong-based OOCL offers transportation services to all major east/west trading economies of the world, providing a full range of logistics and transportation services. Visit their website at www.oocl.com.

The Long Beach Universally Accessible Playground, one of only a handful in the nation, is specially designed for children with disabilities, allowing them the freedom to play in a safe and appropriate playground environment.

For information on the Long Beach Universally Accessible Playground or to make a donation, contact Partners of Parks at (562) 570-3209.