For the sixth consecutive year, Anheuser-Busch and its wholesaler partners are collaborating with the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) to provide emergency drinking water to volunteer fire departments across the United States. This initiative includes the delivery of more than 58,000 cans to 25 departments in Kentucky. The partnership underscores Anheuser-Busch’s commitment to supporting communities and appreciating first responders who play a crucial role in ensuring public safety.
Anheuser-Busch, in conjunction with Smith Brothers Distributing Company, delivered emergency drinking water to Kyrock Fire & Rescue in Sweeden, Kentucky. Nationwide, 65 percent of firefighters are volunteers, and many departments operate with limited budgets for essential supplies. Anheuser-Busch’s water donations help these departments allocate resources to other critical needs. Throughout the summer, over 1.5 million cans of emergency drinking water will be distributed to more than 630 volunteer fire departments across 44 states, promoting disaster preparedness.
Cesar Vargas, Chief External Affairs Officer at Anheuser-Busch, emphasized the company’s commitment to community support, stating, “Our partnership with the NVFC and volunteer firefighters reflects Anheuser-Busch’s heritage of supporting communities when needed most. Along with our wholesaler partners, we are proud to leverage our production, packaging, and logistics capabilities to assist courageous firefighters.”
In Kentucky, the emergency drinking water donations will benefit 25 volunteer fire departments, including West 84 Volunteer Fire Department, Robards Community Fire Department, Baskett Community Fire Department, Cunningham Fire Department, and Ledbetter Fire Protection District.
Jody Stevenson, Sales Manager at Smith Brothers Distributing Co., expressed gratitude towards the volunteer firefighters, acknowledging their sacrifices and the importance of their work in keeping communities safe.
Since 1906, Anheuser-Busch has supported disaster relief efforts, partnering with the American Red Cross. The collaboration with the NVFC began in 2019, and together they have delivered nearly 9 million cans of drinking water to over 2,000 volunteer fire departments across 49 states. Steve Hirsch, NVFC Chair, praised the partnership, noting the importance of providing firefighters with vital resources to ensure their safety and effectiveness.
Anheuser-Busch’s breweries in Cartersville, Georgia, and Fort Collins, Colorado, periodically pause beer production to can clean, safe emergency drinking water for disaster relief. Since 1988, the company has donated over 93 million cans of drinking water to U.S. communities affected by natural disasters and crises.