By Andy Young
Wayward Brewing Co. is launching its Craft for the Community initiative, which will see the craft beer industry help raise funds for local charities and community groups.
The brewery’s first event will be held in partnership with Cystic Fibrosis NSW and coincides with the charity’s annual 65 Roses fundraising month. The 65 Roses initiative looks to increase community awareness of CF through creative fundraising projects.
In support of the 65 Roses initiative, Wayward is brewing a symbolic Rose Kölsch and donating the profits of this special, charity inspired brew to CF NSW. It's craft beer with a conscience, giving the community the chance to drink for a cause.
Wayward's Craft for the Community is the brain-child of owner Peter Philip. By getting involved in local charities and raising money for good causes, Philip hopes to help change the perception of beer and breweries.
As Philip explains, “Many other countries have a rich tradition of the local brewery being a cornerstone for the community rather than a massive factory run by a faceless corporation. Craft beer is different – it’s small, hand-made locally and run by people you know who are part of the community.
“At Wayward, we aim to make local breweries a vital contributor to the community and we encourage local publicans and other craft breweries to do the same.”
The Craft for the Community event kicks off with a Brew Day on 13 April at the Wayward Brewery in Annandale, which will feature special guests including people living with CF and other stakeholders in the CF community.
For the whole month of May, the Rose Kölsch will be on tap at the Wayward Cellar Bar and in partner venues across Sydney, with all Wayward profits from the beer going directly to CF NSW. There will also be other events taking place throughout May.
Cystic Fibrosis is one of the most common degenerative conditions in Australia, with one baby born with CF every four days and more than one million Australian carriers of the CF gene. While there is no cure for CF, research continues to be conducted in an effort to fight this deadly hereditary disease.