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 across the US. 

This summer, more than 75,000 cans will be donated to 34 fire departments across Texas 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 Texas 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 1,000 employees live and work.

“We appreciate the continued support of our community partners Anheuser-Busch and the NVFC and their work to keep Texas firefighters hydrated,” said Chris Gonzales, Chief of the Rossville Volunteer Fire Department. 

“These water donations will go a long way in helping my fellow firefighters stay safe and ready to respond to whatever fire or emergency our community faces this season.”

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 neighbours, 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 Texas, the donations of emergency drinking water will be made to 34 volunteer fire departments including Cisco Fire Department, Church Hill Fire Department, Hico Fire Department, Hilltop Lakes Fire Department, Oakland Fire Department, and Rossville Fire Department.

Since 2019, Anheuser-Busch and its national network of independent wholesalers – including local partners, Ben E. Keith Company, Brown Distributing Company, Budweiser Distributing Company, Del Papa Distributing Co., Eagle Distributors, Jack Hilliard Distributing Co., L&F Distributors, R&K Distributors, Silver Eagle Beverages, Standard Sales Co., Stevenson Beer Distributing Co., and Wismer 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.