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Backcountry Brewing raises $15,000 for BC Cancer Foundation

The money came from ‘Suck It Cancer’ brew sales, which commemorate Squamish artist Chili Thom.
BCB-SUCK IT CANCER -CANS_GLASS
The 'Suck It Cancer' pale ale cans also showcased the work of the late Chili Thom.

Local booze is fighting cancer with the help of the late Squamish artist Chili Thom.

Backcountry Brewing announced it raised $15,000 to donate to the BC Cancer Foundation.

Since early last November, those who were drinking the brewery’s “Suck It Cancer” pale ale were not only drinking a beverage with a quirky name, but raising money to fight against the disease.

There was also a personal touch to the cans of that brew as well.

The special release featured the artwork of Thom, a well-regarded local artist who died from cancer in 2016.

“It’s been a real treat to see BC beer drinkers step up and show such overwhelming support again even during this crazy, uncertain year,” said Ben Reeder, marketing director at Backcountry Brewing in a news release. 

“Almost everyone has been affected by or witnessed the tragic effects of cancer, and Chili was a local hero in the Sea to Sky so it’s really special to see people rally behind this beer and his beautiful artwork on the label. It shows that helping find a cure for this terrible disease is a priority regardless of what else the world throws at us.” 

Backcountry brewed 15,000 litres of the ale, which was available in cans and kegs across the province. The beer is sold out at the brewery but Reeder says there is still one store holding a few cans for anyone who missed out. 

“Backcountry Brewing and the loyal craft beer community have knocked it out of the park for the cancer community once again! Thanks to the success of Suck It Cancer we can drive forward world-leading research and bring new hope to British Columbians facing cancer,” says Sarah Roth, president and CEO, of the BC Cancer Foundation in the release.

Backcountry Brewing and the Chili Thom family both say they intend to keep this train rolling with a new can and beer for 2021, the release says.

 

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