ST. LOUIS, MO July 21, 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 11,500 cans will be donated to five fire departments across California 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 California 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 3,400 employees live and work.
"In recent years, the worsening wildfires across our state have taught us that preparedness is key to firefighters' ability to protect Californian residents and their homes from unpredictable blazes," said Kyle English, Engineer of the Suisun Fire Protection District. "We're grateful for Anheuser-Busch and the NVFC's efforts to increase the readiness of California's fire service by supplying canned drinking water and for their ongoing support."
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 California, the donations of emergency drinking water will be made to five volunteer fire departments including the Douglas City Volunteer Fire Department, Potter Valley Volunteer Fire Department, Schell Vista Volunteer Firefighters Association, Suisun Fire Protection District, and West Stanislaus County Fire Protection District.
Since 2019, Anheuser-Busch and its national network of independent wholesalers – including local partners, Blach Beverage LLC, Donaghy Sales LLC, and Eagle Distributing Co. – 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.
"At Donaghy Sales LLC, we are committed to supporting the communities we serve. That's why we're proud to team up with Anheuser-Busch to deliver cans of water to our local heroes," said Ryan Donaghy, President of Donaghy Sales, LLC. "California has seen some of the worst wildfires in our recent history, and we're grateful to the firefighters who make sacrifices daily so that we can all feel safer at home."
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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