This year marks a new high of 2.5 million cans of water produced this summer by Anheuser-Busch and donated to volunteer fire departments across the country. The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) partnership with Anheuser-Busch and its wholesalers producers delivers cases of canned drinking water to VFDs to help keep firefighters hydrated in times of emergency or long incidents. Anheuser-Busch also works with the American Red Cross — since 1906 — to support disaster relief efforts in the U.S.
This summer the company will deliver 2.5 million cans — more than ever before. The pallets of water will be gifted to over 600 VFDs in 48 states, with a goal of reaching more than 1,000 this season.
The company understands that despite the countless hours of service that volunteers provide, they often lack the budgets to adequately equip and supply their firefighters at a safe level; producing and donating these cases of drinking water is one way that Anheuser-Busch helps out and gives back to those who protect their communities from fires and other emergencies.
“Showing up for our communities and first responders has long been part of the Anheuser-Busch legacy – that’s who we are,” says Cesar Vargas, chief of external affairs. “We’re proud to continue building on that tradition by working with our wholesaler partners and NVFC to support our neighbors, friends, and families.”
Anheuser-Busch has a long history of providing support for disaster relief and preparedness, including through its flagship emergency drinking water program and its partnership with the American Red Cross. Since launching this collaboration with NVFC in 2019, the brewer has donated more than 6.4 million cans of clean, safe drinking water to more than 960 volunteer fire departments across 49 states.
NVFC Chair Steve Hirsch said the canned drinking water is a valuable asset in volunteers’ ability to respond to wildfires and other emergencies. “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.”
Cases of canned emergency water are sourced from Anheuser-Busch’s breweries in Cartersville, Georgia and Fort Collins, Colorado — these breweries periodically pause beer production to can clean, safe drinking water for volunteer fire departments. More info about the Emergency Drinking Water for Wildland Firefighters Program (nvfc.org/water) is available online.
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 160 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.
ABOUT 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 (nvfc.org) 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.
