NEW YORK
,
June 9, 2022
(press release)
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Anheuser-Busch is teaming up with the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) for the fourth consecutive year to donate 1.5 million cans of emergency drinking water to volunteer fire departments nationwide ahead of the 2022 wildfire season. The partnership’s next phase marks a significant continuation of the brewer’s 30-year-strong commitment to disaster relief and supporting local communities in times of need through its emergency drinking water program. The 1.5 million cans of emergency drinking water produced and distributed by Anheuser-Busch will be donated to nearly 450 volunteer fire departments across 46 states. As wildfire season lengthens and increases in severity each year, clean drinking water remains essential in addressing firefighters' hydration needs – yet many volunteer departments struggle with limited budget and resources. Since 2019, Anheuser-Busch and its national network of independent wholesalers have partnered with NVFC to provide these critical resources to America’s volunteer fire service. To date, Anheuser-Busch has donated more than 4.9 million cans of clean, safe drinking water to more than 960 fire departments in 49 states to support wildfire response needs in coordination with NVFC and the brewer’s wholesaler network. In addition to providing emergency drinking water, the Anheuser-Busch Foundation recently donated $200,000 to the NVFC in support of our nation's first responders. With volunteers comprising 67% of firefighters in the United States, they are local communities' first line of defense in a range of emergencies. The funds will help support the water program and NVFC’s ongoing initiatives to bring awareness to the importance of disaster preparedness and give departments the necessary tools and resources to educate their residents. “Our emergency drinking water program and partnership with the NVFC is a tremendous source of pride for all of us at Anheuser-Busch as we are able to do our part to recognize and support the heroes who protect our communities from natural disasters,” said Colleen Lucas, Vice President of Community Impact at Anheuser-Busch. “By leveraging our production and distribution capabilities as a force of good, we are honored to lend a hand to America’s volunteer fire service.” “Hydration is a vital component to firefighter health and safety, and an important part of keeping firefighters functioning at their best during response,” said NVFC chair Steve Hirsch. “We appreciate Anheuser-Busch’s ongoing commitment to support our volunteer boots-on-the-ground responders. This is an invaluable program that provides a critical resource to volunteer departments, so they can use their limited budgets on other necessities.” “We are proud to work with Anheuser-Busch and our fellow independent wholesalers across the country to get this much need resource into the hands of volunteer firefighters ahead of the wildfire season,” said Mike Economos, President, Eagle Rock Distributing Company of Colorado. “This program exemplifies the positive impact we have when we all work together to support our communities.” The donations of emergency drinking water are sourced from Anheuser-Busch’s breweries in Cartersville, Georgia and Fort Collins, Colorado which periodically pause beer production to can emergency 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. Learn more about the Emergency Drinking Water for Wildland Firefighters Program at www.nvfc.org/water. ABOUT ANHEUSER-BUSCH At Anheuser-Busch, our purpose is to create a future with more cheers. We are always looking to serve up new ways to meet life’s moments, dream big to move our industry forward, and make a meaningful impact in the world. We hope to build a future that everyone can celebrate, and everyone can share. For more than 160 years, Anheuser-Busch has carried on a legacy of brewing great-tasting, high-quality beers that have satisfied beer drinkers for generations. Today, we own and operate more than 120 facilities, including breweries, wholesaler distribution centers, agricultural facilities and packaging plants, and have more than 19,000 colleagues across the United States. We are home to several of America’s most loved beer brands, including Budweiser, Bud Light, Michelob ULTRA and Stella Artois, as well as a number of regional brands that provide beer drinkers with a choice of the best-tasting craft beers in the industry. From responsible drinking programs and emergency drinking water donations to industry-leading sustainability efforts, we are guided by our unwavering commitment to supporting the communities we call home. For more information, visit www.anheuser-busch.com or follow Anheuser-Busch on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. ABOUT THE NATIONAL VOLUNTEER FIRE COUNCIL The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is the leading nonprofit membership association representing the interests of the volunteer fire, emergency medical, and rescue services. The NVFC serves as the voice of the volunteer in the national arena and provides critical advocacy, resources, programs, and education for first responders across the nation. Learn more at www.nvfc.org.
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