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 2An.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.”