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 87,000 cans will be donated to 37 fire departments across North Carolina 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 North Carolina fire departments are designed to deliver on this critical need, as well as to support the communities where Anheuser-Busch’s customers and employees live and work.

“We thank Anheuser-Busch, the NVFC and the many wholesalers who have mobilised to deliver over 85,000 cans of emergency drinking water to local fire departments across North Carolina this summer,” said Brandon Whitlow, Chief of the Crawford Township Volunteer Fire Department. “As we enter wildfire season, these resources allow my department and dozens of other fire and EMS crews across the state to stay ready to respond to active wildfires or prolonged emergencies at home.”

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 47 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 North Carolina, the donations of emergency drinking water will be made to 37 volunteer fire departments including Mulberry-Fairplains Fire and Rescue, Courtney Volunteer Fire Department, Ronda Community Volunteer Fire Department, Vashti Volunteer Fire Department, Millers Creek Volunteer Fire Department, and Mid-County Volunteer Fire Department.