In recent years, craft beer has become more than just a refreshing beverage – it’s become a movement with the power to unite communities and support important causes. Craft beer created locally can be a valuable tool for change in our very own backyard and make our local communities a better place to live. It seems so simple, yet so profound – order a pint, support someone in need. Buy a beer, foster real, palpable good.
This approach turns every pour into a powerful vehicle for change for the better, benefiting local communities and global movements alike. This trend, sometimes called “philanthrobrewing,” is allowing craft beer lovers to support causes they care about while enjoying their favorite drink.
As I step down from my soap box, let me tell you more about Southern Tier Brewing’s downtown taproom in Canalside, who is saying ‘cheers for charity’ this November by launching a new IPA to support ALS research efforts and by donating a portion of proceeds each Thursday in November to a worthy local charity.
The new beer, Ice Bucket IPA, is dry hopped with the Ales for ALS hop blend from Yakima Chief Hops, pilsner malt and flaked corn, and features notes of berries, citrus, and tropical fruits. $1 from every pint will go to support ALS research via Ales for ALS, a fundraising program where breweries create beers and donate a portion of proceeds to ALS research. Ice Bucket IPA is on tap now.
And the charitable efforts do not end there. Every Thursday in November, the brewery is hosting Cheers for Charity, where $1 from every beer and cider sold all day will be donated to FeedMore WNY, whose mission it is to offer dignity, hope and a brighter future by providing nutritious food, friendship and skills training to local neighbors in need.
Through their food bank distribution center and partner hunger-relief agencies, as well as their home-delivered meal program and other targeted feeding programs, FeedMore WNY alleviates hunger and assists community members of all ages throughout Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie and Niagara counties. To learn more, visit https://www.feedmorewny.org.
“We look forward to seeing you in the taproom throughout November and with helping us do our part in giving back to our local community!” Southern Tier said.
Craft beer for a cause transforms every pint into a gesture of goodwill, giving back to communities, supporting environmental efforts, and fueling meaningful change. Every sip can contribute to a better tomorrow and a toast is always better when it’s to a better world. Cheers to that.
Brian Campbell is co-founder and Brand Manager of the Buffalo Beer League, and writes the weekly Buffalo Beer Buzz column. If you have beer news that should be included in the Beer Buzz, Brian can be reached at brian@buffalobeerleague.com, on Twitter (@buffbeerleague), Instagram (@buffalobeerleague), and Facebook (@thebuffalobeerleague).
