ST. LOUIS, July 20, 2023 – Anheuser-Busch and its wholesaler partners are teaming up with the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) for the fifth consecutive year to donate emergency drinking water to local fire departments nationwide. This summer, more than 70,000 cans will be donated to 30 fire departments across Arkansas to help them prepare for and respond in times of crisis and long incident at home.
Firefighters and first responders in our communities rely on clean drinking water to stay hydrated in times of need; yet volunteer fire departments often lack the budget and resources to supply. The water donations to Arkansas fire departments are designed to deliver on this critical need, as well as to support the communities where Anheuser Busch's customers and more than 65 employees live and work.
"Thank you to Anheuser-Busch and the NVFC for supplying over 70,000 cans of drinking water to fire departments across the state," said David Gaddis, Chief of the Perry Fire Department. "Having a healthy supply of safe drinking water gives us the ability to respond to fires and emergencies at a moment's notice without compromising the health and safety of our fire and EMS personnel."
Now in its fifth year, the partnership between Anheuser-Busch and the NVFC is expanding its reach to provide 2.5 million cans – more than ever before – to over 600 volunteer fire departments (VFDs) across 48 states, with a goal of reaching more than 1,000 VFDs before the end of the year. The initiative's expansion represents a significant evolution in the brewer's 30-year-strong commitment to disaster relief, as well its deep appreciation for the first responders who are keeping their communities safe.
"Showing up for our communities and first responders has long been part of Anheuser Busch's legacy – that's who we are. We're proud to continue building on that tradition by working with our wholesaler partners and NVFC to support our neighbors, friends, and families," said Cesar Vargas, Chief External Affairs Officer at Anheuser-Busch.
"Emergency drinking water is critical for firefighters' safety and ability to respond to crises at home each year," said NVFC Chair Steve Hirsch. "We appreciate Anheuser-Busch's increased commitment to supplying our nation's fire service with this much-needed resource and for their continued partnership in keeping our communities safe."
In Arkansas, the donations of emergency drinking water will be made to 30 volunteer fire departments including Boston Mountain Fire Department, Bismarck Fire Department, Northeast Saline County Fire Department, Perry Fire Department, and Vilonia Fire Department.
Since 2019, Anheuser-Busch and its national network of independent wholesalers – including local partners, A & B Distributors Inc. of Arkansas, Arkansas Beverage Sales Inc., Belle Point Beverages Inc., Best Beverages Of West Memphis, C & C Distributors Inc., Golden Eagle of Arkansas Inc., McBride Distributing Co., and M K Distributors Inc. – have partnered with the NVFC to donate more than 6.4 million cans of clean, safe drinking water to more than 960 fire departments across 49 states to support disaster response needs.
"On behalf of the entire team at Arkansas Beverage Sales, we thank our local fire responders for their service to their communities," said Jay Castillo, President of Arkansas Beverage Sales. "We take pride in delivering cans of water to those on the frontlines during wildfire season."
The emergency drinking water is sourced from Anheuser-Busch's breweries in Cartersville, Georgia and Fort Collins, Colorado which periodically pause beer production to can clean, safe drinking water to support disaster relief efforts in partnership with the American Red Cross and NVFC. Since the creation of its emergency drinking water program in 1988, Anheuser-Busch has donated more than 90 million cans of clean drinking water to U.S. communities affected by natural disasters and other crises.
Learn more about the Emergency Drinking Water for Wildland Firefighters Program at www.nvfc.org/water.
ABOUT ANHEUSER-BUSCH
At Anheuser-Busch, our purpose is to create a future with more cheers. We are always looking to serve up new ways to meet life's moments, dream big to move our industry forward, and make a meaningful impact in the world. We hope to build a future that everyone can celebrate, and everyone can share. For more than 165 years, Anheuser-Busch has carried on a legacy of brewing great-tasting, high-quality beers that have satisfied beer drinkers for generations. Today, we own and operate more than 120 facilities, including breweries, wholesaler distribution centers, agricultural facilities and packaging plants, and have more than 18,000 colleagues across the United States. We are home to several of America's most loved beer and beyond beer brands, including Michelob ULTRA, Cutwater Spirits, Stella Artois, Budweiser and Bud Light as well as a number of regional brands that provide beer drinkers with a choice of the best-tasting craft beers in the industry. From responsible drinking programs and emergency drinking water donations to industry-leading sustainability efforts, we are guided by our unwavering commitment to supporting the communities we call home. For more information, visit www.anheuser-busch.com or follow Anheuser-Busch on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
ABOUT THE NATIONAL VOLUNTEER FIRE COUNCIL
The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is the leading nonprofit membership association representing the interests of the volunteer fire, emergency medical, and rescue services. The NVFC serves as the voice of the volunteer in the national arena and provides critical advocacy, resources, programs, and education for first responders across the nation. Learn more at www.nvfc.org.
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