This year, in lieu of Christmas cards, we have decided to support two communities in North America that were devastated by floods purported to occur only once every 100 years – Lyons, Colorado and High River, Alberta. Both are very dear to our hearts: Lyons is where we began our journey with Oskar Blues to can great craft beer and High River is a town on the outskirts of Calgary where some relatives of our staff members live.
During the Colorado floods, the whole town of Lyons was evacuated. See the devastation on YouTube. Being good neighbours, Oskar Blues decided to help raise funds through their Oskar Blues’ Can’d Aid Foundation.
In November, Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper (former owner of Wynkoop Brewery in Denver) asked for continued support and met with business owners at Oskar Blues. He hoped to raise awareness of the Foundation which helps impacted individuals, small businesses and local organizations in Lyons & nearby Longmont to recover.
We have made a donation to their foundation. To read more about their efforts go to: https://www.facebook.com/CANdAidFoundation
We certainly understand what the flood victims in Colorado are experiencing. Back in June, the city of Calgary and surrounding areas were also hit by historic floods. About 60 per cent of nearby High River was under water and the town is still recovering. See High River’s story on YouTube. We have made a donation to their Disaster Relief Fund.
http://www.highriver.ca/index.php/en/local-state-of-emergency#donations