Cool philanthropy you should copy: Ninkasi Brewing, Bigfoot Beverages launch Funds for Firefighters

Everyday heroes walk among us — firefighters, soldiers, teachers, the CBB crew. It’s time we honored these heroes with a well-deserved beer. Wait, let’s maybe honor them with some money and support first. During the Month of May, that’s just what Ninkasi Brewing Co. and wholesale partner Bigfoot Beverages is doing — a month-long, give-back program to support the City of Bend Fire Department (IAFF Local 227), called “Funds for Firefighters.”

Dig this: For every Ninkasi keg sold in Bend, Ore., and surrounding areas during the next 31 days, a whopping $20 will be donated to support the Bend Fire Community Assistance Program, which provides immediate assistance and relief to those experiencing crisis. That’s a ton of money. From the press release:

“We are excited to partner with Bigfoot Beverages and give back to the Bend community,” said Sam Colee, Ninkasi Brewing Central Oregon market manager. “When Bigfoot heard about the program, they stepped up and decided to match our initial donation, making this program even more impactful.”

Maybe the coolest part is that the fire department is paying it forward too. Established by the City of Bend Fire Department, the Community Assistance Program actually offers crisis assistance. The program funds can be accessed anytime by Bend Fire personnel to provide immediate assistance to those experiencing a crisis including aiding families and individuals with food, temporary lodging, warm clothing, school supplies and much more. We’re pretty much in love with both of these projects. Back to the press release:

“This program is ran by the people who swore to protect the community and have the ability to provide help in the moment without hesitation,” says Garret Caster, firefighter paramedic for City of Bend Fire Department. “It is honest, it is genuine and it works because of its simplicity.”

“Bigfoot Beverages Bend is proud to partner with Ninkasi to support Funds for Firefighters here locally in Central Oregon,” states Betsy Weedman, public relations and marketing manager for Bigfoot Beverages. “We encourage people to get out there, enjoy a refreshing Ninkasi beer and raise money to help our community.”

To take part in the program, beer drinkers are encouraged to order Ninkasi on-tap during the month of May throughout the Bend area. Locations that serve Ninkasi can be found by visiting: http://www.ninkasibrewing.com/delicious/beer-finder.html.