Supporting our local charity pint in hand

At the start of the year we were approached to provide beer for the annual Henshaws Beer Festival, to raise money for Henshaws UK, an amazing charity that supports people living with sight loss and a range of other disabilities. The staff provide essential advice and training, as well as access to specialist colleges, community centres and supported housing.

Unfortunately, due to the lockdown measures put in place by the government there was no choice but to postpone the festival, so Blind Jacks (a fantastic pub in Knaresborough) came up with a great idea that would help to still raise funds. This was to create a ‘Pub in a Box’ event by teaming up with breweries across the Harrogate and Knaresborough area. As well as Harrogate Brew Co, Daleside Brewery, Roosters Brewing Co, Turning Point Brew Co and BAD Co also participated. The idea was for each brewery to provide one of their tastiest beers that would be put together and delivered as a package to people’s doors. The boxes were priced at £30 with £10 going to Henshaws and the rest covering costs. Blind Jacks even organised a cheeky pub quiz to go with it!

Gemma Young, Henshaws Fundraising Manager for Yorkshire, said “We love how local businesses and organisations are finding novel ways to keep their customers happy whilst keeping everyones’ spirits up! With the postponement of Henshaws annual Beer Festival and Bed Fest events, this is a brilliant way to bring a little bit of Henshaws and that festival feel into people’s homes. As a charity that relies heavily on ticket income from events, support like this is crucial to our survival at this time and will raise much needed funds for our Emergency Appeal”.

After recent events with the pandemic, it now feels more important than ever to protect those that Henshaws supports and make sure these essential charities receive the funding they need to continue with the amazing work they do. As a brewery we’re grateful for the opportunity to help however small, and commend Blind Jacks for the fantastic event and money raised – hopefully the festival will be back on in the not so distant future.

Find out more about Henshaws at – www.henshaws.org.uk