It’s a tough time for everyone. Whether it’s the beleaguered F&B industry, those in the travel business or simply the vulnerable in our society, no one is having it easy right now.
Yet, even as they’re suffering, a couple of well-meaning folks in the alcohol trade have taken it upon themselves to launch programmes that’ll lend a helping hand for those even more in need, all while letting you enjoy a drink or two. So if you’re gonna be stocking up on booze anyway, why not do some good while you’re at it with these initiatives.
1887 Virtual Bar
Started early on at the beginning of the circuit breaker, this initiative by alcohol purveyors William Grant & Sons gives local bars a platform to do a guest shift of sorts. All happening online, bars like Shin Gi Tai, No Sleep Club and Nutmeg & Clove have been on it, peddling alcohol vouchers that you can redeem once the bars can reopen. WGS then matches the value you spent, effectively doubling the amount the bars can get from your support. Sweet.
All Together Beer
This global charitable initiative has breweries all around the world producing a batch of, well, All Together Beer, that’s based on an open-source recipe first started by Other Half Brewing Co in the US. In Singapore, we have none other than Off Day Beer Company taking up the mantle, putting their own twist on the recipe to create a juicy New England IPA. With each bottle purchased, $2 will go to funding free meals for hospitality professionals, who are arguably one of the worst hit by the pandemic.
#BarTabSG Relief Fund
This is one that helps on-the-ground staff that work in bars themselves. Started by locally-founded Zhen Gin, a sustainable gin label made using damaged rice crops in Taiwan, it lends aid by setting aside 20% of all bottle sale proceeds to go into a fund, which is then evenly distributed among affected bartenders. If you’re a bartender or barback who has lost income because of the crisis, register to be eligible for the relief funds.
Beer For A Cause
Support the local craft beer industry and lend aid to elderly care facility Lee Ah Mooi Old Age Home at the same time. The Thomson Lane home, which housed many sick and aged residents, was struck by Covid-19 as early as March 31, putting the venue on quarantine and resulting in great physical and financial strain for them. So Good Luck Beerhouse has decided to take it upon themselves to help by offering the home 100% of proceeds for all beers purchased through them via the all-local Beer For A Cause catalogue. The money will be used for offsetting nursing fees, assisting affected Lee Ah Mooi staff, buying much-needed medical supplies, and more.
