Uniting for a Cause: California Craft Breweries Support Maui Wildfire Victims

Craft breweries unite to support Maui wildfire victims

Crafting Hope Through Unity: The Kokua Relief Beer Initiative

Uniting for a Cause: California Craft Breweries

In the picturesque city of San Diego, the craft beer community is proving that there’s more to their craft than just brewing exceptional beverages. The story unfolds at Seek Beer Company, where owner Dave Ohmer spearheads a movement that goes beyond the thrill of canning days. This is a story of uniting for a cause, as California’s craft breweries join hands to support the victims of the devastating Maui wildfires.

For Dave Ohmer, the joy of brewing beer extends beyond taste and aroma. Seeking to make a meaningful impact, he introduces the Kokua Relief Beer, a collaborative effort inspired by Maui Brewing Company’s initiative. The essence of this project lies in unity and support, as Ohmer reflects, “That’s always been one of the great things about the craft beer industry. We all work together, help each other out.”

The Kokua Project revolves around the creation of a Session IPA, with participating breweries across California and the United States following Maui Brewing Company’s recipe. The proceeds from the sale of this beer are directed towards the Maui Brewing Fire Fund and other nonprofits committed to helping victims rebuild their lives.

James Newman, the creative mind behind the Kokua Relief Beer recipe and the head brewer at Maui Brewing Company, emphasizes the emotional journey of bringing communities together. “Kokua means to extend help or offer help to others. Like sacrificial help without expecting anything in return,” Newman explains. The unity is not just about brewing; it’s about supporting a community in need.

In times of crisis, Newman’s tasting room became a hub for supplies and donations when the Maui wildfires erupted. Now, he hopes that his recipe will generate funds for long-term relief, fostering a stronger and more resilient community. Newman is touched by the response, stating, “I never thought when I started 10 years ago that beer would be able to do something like this. It’s really cool.”

As the Kokua Relief Beer gains momentum, more breweries, including Seek Beer Company, are contributing to the cause. Dave Ohmer proudly shares that they have raised $750 so far, emphasizing, “We make beer. All of us brewers do, and we’ll just do that and use that tool to help benefit the people affected.”

The support extends beyond California, as breweries across America adopt Newman’s recipe to assist Maui. The unity among craft breweries serves as a powerful reminder that even a simple beverage can be a force for positive change.

Greater Cincinnati breweries partake in national fundraiser benefiting Maui wildfire victims

The story doesn’t end in San Diego. Over 700 breweries across the nation are joining forces for a similar cause. Cincinnati’s craft breweries are rallying under the banner of Kōkua, a Session IPA designed to evoke the spirit of Maui. Ryan Blevins, Head Brewer at MadTree, emphasizes the importance of such projects in the craft beer community, stating, “We all work really well and close together even across the country.”

Every sip of Kōkua contributes to a larger cause, with one dollar from each brew purchased going to the Global Empowerment Mission. This nonprofit works tirelessly to support those impacted by the wildfires in Maui, demonstrating the craft beer community’s commitment to making a difference.

In a world often divided, the story of California’s craft breweries and their counterparts across the nation stands as a testament to the transformative power of unity and support. Through the simple act of brewing beer, these communities are making a significant impact on the lives of Maui wildfire victims. As the Kokua Relief Beer and Kōkua projects continue to thrive, they remind us that collective efforts, no matter how small, can bring about positive change and help communities rise stronger from adversity.

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