8 Canadian Craft Beers That Give Back To Drink This Summer
Beers are best served with a side of toasted nuts and charitable giving. This summer, pull up a patio chair and crack open a cold one from one of these Canadian breweries (and brewery collaborations) who have released specialty craft beers to benefit their local charities. From saving orcas on the west coast to supporting racialized communities in the east coast, giving back has never tasted more refreshing.
Vancouver Island – Pod Pack
“Pod Pack” is a collaboration between four local Vancouver Island breweries in support of the Pacific Salmon Foundation, a charity that aims to protect, conserve and restore wild Pacific salmon populations in B.C.—a vital food source for the local southern resident orcas, a killer whale population that is critically endangered and declining primarily due to lack of Chinook salmon abundance–which make up more than 80% of their diet. Partial proceeds of every Pod Pack sold will be donated to PSF. Available locally on Vancouver Island and online, as well as across B.C., Alberta, and Saskatchewan at private and select government stores this summer.
Alberta – Full Squeeze Ale
Alley Kat Brewing has released their “Full Squeeze Ale” in support of Imperial Sovereign Court of the Wild Rose, Alberta's longest running organization for the LGTBQ2+ community. The society’s mission is to raise funds for charities and other organizations which either provides direct services to the LGBTQ2S+ community of Edmonton or which work to promote an accepting attitude towards the LGBTQ2S+ community as a whole. Available at the Alley Kat retail store and online shop, as well as select liquor stores, restaurants and bars in Alberta while supplies last.
Toronto – Squeeze Play Rainbow Sherbet Sour
Left Field Brewery in Toronto has released a special Pride month edition of its fruit-flavoured sour. Some proceeds from each sale of “Squeeze Play Rainbow Sherbet Sour” will go towards supporting Bill 7 Award LGBTQ Scholarships for gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans, two-spirited and queer students who are in financial need while in post-secondary education. Available online and at the LCBO.
Toronto – Make It Matter
"Make It Matter" is the current brew from High Park Brewery’s Giving Back initiative, where some proceeds from each bottle sold is donated to five charities that support diversity and inclusiveness and combat racial and social injustices, both locally and across Canada: Black Business and Professional Association, Black Legal Action Centre, Black Lives Matter, Douglas Cardinal Foundation for Indigenous Waldorf Education, and Native Women’s Resource Centre of Toronto. Available online.
Ottawa – Celebrating Sisters Bock
Three Ottawa-based breweries have collaborated to release their “Celebrating Sisters Bock” in support of the Celebrating Sisters project, a campaign to raise awareness about missing and murdered Indigenous women in Canada. Proceeds from beer sold by participating breweries will be primarily directed to Indigenous agencies and organizations that support Indigenous women. Some proceeds from each can sold will be donated to Families of Sisters in Spirit. Available at the Orléans Brewing retail store and online shop.
Nova Scotia – Old Stock Ale
“Old Stock Ale” is a collaboration brew between Boxing Rock Brewing Company and Change is Brewing Collective, in support of the Black Loyalist Heritage Society from Birchtown, Nova Scotia–considered the largest settlement of free Blacks outside Africa post-American Revolutionary War. The brew is a modern take on an ale that would have been casked in the days of the Black Loyalists. All proceeds from sales of the beer will be donated to the Change Is Brewing Collective and the Black Loyalist Heritage Society. Their goal is to open the door to the food and beverage industry through education, scholarships and employment for racialized communities. Available online.
Nova Scotia – All Together Red Ale
Nova Scotia’s New Scotland Co.’s “All Together Red Ale” is brewed in support of The MS Society of Canada. According to company co-founder Kevin Saccary, who has been living with multiple sclerosis for the past 12 years, “Atlantic Canada has one of the highest rates in the world with over 7,000 diagnosed cases.” His goal, along with his co-founder brother Scott, is to raise money to help the society continue to fund programs, research and advocacy for people living with MS. Available online.
Newfoundland + Labrador – Up She Rises
Landwash Brewery has released “Up She Rises,” a passionfruit IPA brewed on International Women’s Day as a collaboration with breweries across Newfoundland and Labrador. The brew also features a custom hop blend from Pink Boots Society, an organization that promotes women in the beer and alcohol industry. Partial proceeds from the sale of each can will go towards supporting YWCA St. John’s, a charitable organization centred around community programming focused on gender equity, creating opportunities for girls, women, gender diverse and 2SLGBTQIA+ people to learn, achieve and participate. Available online.
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