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 11,000 cans will be donated to five fire departments across Ohio 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 Ohio 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’re grateful for the continued support of the NVFC, Anheuser-Busch, and wholesalers like Matesich Distributing Company for supplying over 11,000 cans of drinking water to fire departments across Ohio,” said Alan Killian, Chief of the Cumberland Volunteer Fire Department. 

“Water is an essential component to firefighters’ health and safety, making these donations critical to our ability to stand ready to serve.” 

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 Ohio, the donations of emergency drinking water will be made to five volunteer fire departments including the Cumberland Volunteer Fire Department, Franklin Township Fire Department, Perry Township Volunteer Fire Department, Roseville Volunteer Fire Department, and the Town & Country Fire District.

Since 2019, Anheuser-Busch and its national network of independent wholesalers – including local partners, Anheuser-Busch Sales of Lima, Classic Brands, Matesich Distributing Co., and PDI of Ironton, Inc. – have partnered with the NVFC to donate more than 8 million cans of clean, safe drinking water to more than 1,400 fire departments across 49 states to support disaster response needs.

“All of us at Matesich Distributing Co. are honoured to support the members of the Cumberland Volunteer Fire Department with this donation of emergency drinking water in partnership with Anheuser-Busch,” said Sarah Matesich Schwab, President and Chief Operating Officer at Matesich Distributing Co. 

“Thanks to our first responders, we have a lifeline to call in times of crisis, and we’re proud to do our part to give back to those who give so much to keep us all safe.”

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.