In early August wildfires broke out in Hawaii, which had a particularly devastating effect on the island of Maui. With effects also felt on neighbouring islands, the wildfire was the “deadliest wildfire in the United States in over a century“.
In the wake of the horrific tragedy, people and organisations around the world have stepped forward to help – raising funds and providing assistance where they can.
Following a call for assistance from the owner of Maui craft brewery, Maui Brewing, the UK drinks industry is also chipping in. A series of events will take place between September 18-22, to encourage drinkers “to grab a beer and do some good”.
The first event will take place at The Rake in Borough Market, on September 18. They will be running a special edition of Brewery Bingo, where drinkers can test their brewery and beer knowledge in the name of charity. This will be followed by events at The Sutton Arms, All Good Beer, Kill the Cat, and Gipsy Hill Brewery’s taproom.
To help with the events, local and international breweries have donated kegs of beer to the events. The funds from the sale of these will then go towards supporting the people of Maui. All profits from the sales, minus VAT, will be donated to “the most efficient causes on Maui at the time.”
Said co-organiser Katie Ward, of Pimentae Drinks:
“Maui Brewing has always been at heart of its community, and owner Garrett Marrero has always been incredibly supportive of both the UK and global brewing community, and we just really want to lend our support”.
Participating breweries
The breweries and drinks producers that are donating beers to the events include:
- Red Willow Brewery
- Fierce Beer
- Siren Craft Brew
- Stone & Wood
- Double Barrelled Brewery
- Great Beyond Beer
- Pimentae Drinks
- Sheep in Wolf’s Clothing Brewery
- Hop the Pond
- Big Smoke Brew
- Hackney Brewery
- Anspach & Hobday
- Stone Brewing
- Brew York
- Orbit Beers
- Tap East
- Goodness Brew
- Iron Pier Beer
- Yeastie Boys
- Horsforth Brewery
- Carnival Brewing Company
- Thornbridge
- Gipsy Hill Brewery
Said co-organiser, Richard Dinwoodie, and owner of The Rake & Tap East:
“We have long had a relationship with breweries from Maui, and when we heard they needed our support, we decided to put our heads together with Katie and see what we could do. The outpouring of support for the idea has been amazing, especially given how everyone in this sector is feeling the squeeze right now.”
Head on down to any of the participating pubs or bars’ events, and grab a pint to help the people of Maui.