Burgers were grilling and beer was pouring at the Veterans2Veterans Black Hops Brewing in Langford on Sunday.
It was all part of a backyard barbecue designed to raise money for Canadian veterans.
“Veterans and first responders, they need that help,” said the brewery owner Graham Hafey. “I think COVID had brought a lot of attention to front line workers, and we’ve always realized are important and they do similar jobs and it comes sometimes at a price.”
So to help, the Canadian Catering Company (CCC), which runs under Blighty’s Bistro in Oak Bay, reached out to the brewery.
“As a community and a small industry on this Island you have to come together,” said CCC’s co-owner James Pratap.
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A portion of the proceeds are going directly towards helping veterans, and the catering company isn’t making a dime.
“We’re just trying to support each other and just get as much advertising as we can for his business and for ours,” said Pratap. “The money does go to a great cause supporting the veterans.”
Hafey said the help is welcome.
“There are still suicides and that’s really a shame and that’s for the first responders as well. COVID has slowed everything down and the already backlogged system is further behind,” said the veteran.
Legions – a big source of income – are also closed around the country, and donations to charities supporting veterans are lower than ever. Many veterans are still waiting to be approved for disability funding, meaning the funds are more important than ever.
“We were just happy to help really,” said Pratap and his business partner Spencer Jenkins.
“This is my way of giving back, as we say one beer at a time,” added Hafey.
Rebecca Lawrence
