Expansion of longstanding disaster relief efforts includes emergency drinking water donations and $200,000 grant to American Humane to aid in pet-focused disaster response efforts
St. Louis, MO – Building on its decades long commitment to disaster relief and preparedness efforts, Anheuser-Busch today announced a new partnership with American Humane that will expand its disaster relief platform to help all friends in need – whether they have two legs or four.
Through its longstanding partnership with the American Red Cross dating back to 1906, the brewer has a proud history of disaster relief and preparedness efforts including its flagship emergency drinking water program. By teaming up with American Humane and the Red Cross to recognize National Preparedness Month, Anheuser-Busch is expanding its disaster relief capabilities to support pet-focused relief efforts and raising awareness of the importance of disaster preparedness for both people and pets.
Throughout the month of September, Anheuser-Busch will be sharing ‘Prepare for Your Pets’ disaster preparedness resources across its social media channels focusing on educating people on how to be prepared for themselves and their pets in times of disaster. In the spirit of preparedness, the brewer will also be conducting runs of emergency drinking water this September at its Fort Collins, CO and Cartersville, GA breweries to replenish its stock of emergency drinking water following recent relief efforts – including donating more than 400,000 cans of water to support communities impacted by Hurricane Ida.
“Our commitment to disaster relief has always been built on a foundation of preparedness to ensure that we always stand ready to support our communities in times of need. Just as we prepare our emergency drinking water throughout the year, we recognize that we all must do our part as individuals to prepare to protect our entire family – including our pets who can’t plan for themselves,” said Colleen Lucas, Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility at Anheuser-Busch. “This National Preparedness Month, we are proud to leverage our reach to encourage people to prepare for disasters or emergencies in their homes, businesses, and communities.”
As part of the partnership, the Anheuser-Busch Foundation will provide a $200,000 donation to American Humane to assist its rescue operations. Working through American Humane and the Red Cross, the brewer will also expand distribution of emergency drinking water to pet shelters and rescue efforts during and after natural disasters.
“American Humane has been on the front lines protecting animals and saving lives in times of crisis and natural disasters for more than 100 years,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of American Humane. “Ensuring you have an evacuation plan that includes your pets will not only help save the lives of our beloved animals but also the lives of owners, volunteers, and first-responders. We are grateful for Anheuser-Busch’s support in helping to communicate this important message.”
For over 30 years, Anheuser-Busch and its wholesaler partners have leveraged their production and logistics capabilities to provide emergency drinking water to U.S. communities affected by natural disasters and other crises. In 2019, the brewer also teamed up with the National Volunteer Fire Council to provide critical hydration resources to support volunteer firefighters battling wildfires across the country. To date, Anheuser-Busch has donated over 86 million cans of emergency drinking water to communities in need.
To mark National Preparedness Month and their continued partnership, the Anheuser-Busch Foundation will also be donating $1 million to the Red Cross’ Annual Disaster Giving Program (ADGP) to help ensure the Red Cross can take immediate action for communities in need.
ADGP members pledge donations on an ongoing basis, in advance of major disasters, to enable the Red Cross to respond immediately with comfort and care when disasters occur, help families during the recovery process, and educate communities on how to be prepared for disasters.
“Thanks to Anheuser-Busch, its employees, resources and Foundation’s generous financial support, the Red Cross can fulfill its mission of getting disaster ravaged communities the lifesaving help they desperately need quickly and efficiently,” said Gail McGovern, President and CEO of the American Red Cross. “We are proud of our long-standing partnership, and deeply grateful for Anheuser-Busch’s commitment to provide emergency drinking water so that disaster survivors have relief and refreshment when they need it most.”
To learn more about Anheuser-Busch’s disaster relief efforts and emergency drinking water program, click here.
ABOUT ANHEUSER-BUSCH
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 recognizable 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 AMERICAN HUMANE
American Humane is the country’s first national humane organization. Founded in 1877, American Humane is committed to ensuring the safety, welfare and well-being of animals, and our leadership programs are first to serve in promoting and nurturing the bonds between animals and people. For more information or to support our work, please visit www.americanhumane.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
ABOUT THE AMERICAN RED CROSS
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
