With the Elk Valley Pride Festival kicking off September 21^st, Fernie Brewing Co. (FBC) is excited to announce two amazing collaborations with the Fernie Pride Society (FPS) – a Crafted with Love Charity t-shirt, and an FBC x FPS Collab Brew.

Teaming up with Lev Sonego, founder of Glitterburns – a Nelson-based company specializing in graphic design and illustration for queer-owned businesses and gender-inclusive products and services – FBC and FPS released a limited edition, Crafted with Love Charity t-shirt, on September 7th. Available at FBC, both online and in-store, FBC is donating profits from this limited release, Charity t-shirt, to the Fernie Pride Society.

Spearheaded by Helen Hopkins, FBC’s Human Resources Manager, this t-shirt is a fantastic and uplifting way to raise money for a great cause. “FBC wanted to highlight an amazing organization that not only provides programming and support to the local LBGTQ2+ community, but also provides guidance and resources to local businesses on how to be an inclusive employer,” said Hopkins.

Then, to help kick off the Elk Valley Pride Festival in style, on Thursday September 22nd, head to FBC for a glass of the FBC x FPS Collab Brew. This special Pea Flower Cream Ale was brewed by FBC Brewer Kevin Symington and FBC Production Supervisor Anita Roloff, with the help of FPS Director, Scott Tibballs, and FPS volunteer, Adam Pronger.

“FBC has always been a proud supporter of our community and its charity groups,” said Roloff. “Collaborating with the Fernie Pride Society was a great opportunity to show our town and region that we both accept and support our fellow community members, regardless of sexual orientation or gender. Working with Fernie Pride Society was an easy choice for us.”

“The brewing industry is a white, cis male-dominated industry, and this Pride Pilot is a step towards reaching out to other demographics,” said Symington. “It’s our hope that this beer will spark conversations and show that all demographics can not only enjoy drinking beer, but also be welcomed into the industry.”

With an ABV of 5.4% and IBU of 30, expect a full, silky mouthfeel from the oats, complimented by hints of luscious lavender and chamomile. Clean, with a light sweetness from Honey Malt, reserved hop use enlivens this brew with notes of citrus and strawberry. Learn more about this brew, here.

The FBC x FPS Collab Brew will exclusively be available on tap in the FBC Tasting Room from 2pm on September 22nd, for a very limited time.

“When businesses such as Fernie Brewing step-up, show-up, and do the work for equity it is not only a reflection of their core values and work culture, it has ripple effects throughout the community and hopefully inspires others to be creative and create connections; not only with Fernie Pride but with other organizations working to create a safe and inclusive environment for residents and visitors alike,” said FPS Administrator, Courtney Baker. “In order to obtain true equality, we need collaborations that keep striving for inclusion 24/7/365. Together, we create connections, remove stigma, and encourage purposeful conversations that move inclusion forward. And if these conversations take place around an FBC beverage than all the better!”

You can learn more about The Fernie Pride Society and upcoming Elk Valley Pride Festival via the FPS website.