Story by Jon Hendel, Photo by Patrick Chondon
The thirst is strong for flavourful, locally based, natural craft beer in Northern Ontario. This artisan craft brought together a record attendance of 5000, who came together to sample from 20 breweries and over 80 craft beer varieties paired with local food and music on August 11 & 12, 2017. 25,715 samples of this delicious brew were served to wet the palate of the attendees to then visit one of the local partnered restaurants or pubs and enjoy a full pint.
BrewHa Craft Beer Festival would not be possible without Copperfin Credit Union who is not only their financial institution of choice but the title sponsor. Copperfin created a custom brew called #CopperfinAle with the help of a local brewery called Dawson Trail Craft Brewery. All sales from this beer at the festival supported the festival’s partner charity.
“Working with the Thunder Bay office of March of Dimes Canada has been an absolute pleasure. Their dedication and compassion for our community shine and we couldn’t be happier to support the efforts of this charity” says Stef MacLeod, marketing manager for Copperfin Credit Union.
A portion of the festival’s proceeds of ticket sales plus the funds generated by #CopperfinAle will support the local Thunder Bay Stroke Recovery Canada Chapter, a program of the March of Dimes Canada. The total contribution for the 2017 festival is $7500, bringing the total contribution to local charities to $15,000 over three years. “When you step back and look at the amount raised through this event over the last three years, it truly is remarkable and it also speaks to how much it means to the community to be able to not only enjoy the festival but help support the efforts of our local charities,” said Kerry Berlinquette, co-chair of the BrewHa Festival Organizing Committee. “We can’t wait to bring this festival back next year for more smiles on Lake Superior.”
- BrewHa Craft Beer Festival is run by BrewHa Festivals & Events, which originated in 2015 by Jon Hendel & Kerry Berlinquette. They offer event planning services paired with craft beer and fun.
- Copperfin Credit Union is the largest locally-owned credit union in Northwestern Ontario and delivers the most thorough and personalized service and advice to move your financial life forward while keeping your money close to home.
- Thunder Bay Stroke Recovery Canada Chapter is a service run by March of Dimes Canada, which operates a peer support group for survivors of stroke and their families and/or caregivers and conducts monthly meetings that provide educational resources, guest speakers and an opportunity to network with other survivors and caregivers.
