The Saskatoon Paramedic Association, IAFF Local 3270, has launched Rescue 911, a non-alcoholic lager-style beer, with some of the proceeds going to High Key Brewing Co, a national organization that provides mental health services to first responders and military personnel.
The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) has shared how some of the proceeds from the craft beverage will go to providing services, education and training to trauma-exposed professionals including paramedics, firefighters, police and military personnel.
Local 3270 Past President Paul Hills, who spearheaded the initiative, said to the IAFF how the idea took flight when he was at the brewery for lunch and asked a co-owner if they partner with organizations for custom labels.
The answer was yes and the hoppy beverage is now flowing from the High Key’s taps and is available in cans.
A pair of Beer Launch & Burger Night events held at the end of July to officially launch the beer were very well received and raised $3,500.
But, the initiative is also designed to raise awareness about the mental health impacts that paramedics and other emergency responders face because of their duties.
Hills shared: “The money is a nice bonus, but the uniqueness of the idea is the platform for awareness about mental health and Wounded Warriors, I think that’s the more important thing.”
He added the fact that Rescue 911 is a non-alcoholic beer is an important aspect of the initiative in a couple of ways.
Hills continued: “For a lot of first responders, alcohol can be a challenge in their lives, causing a lot of negativity through substance abuse.
“And on our job, it may be the cause of a lot of our mental health injuries with drunk driving accidents, major collisions, assaults and other things that are rooted in alcohol use.”
The IAFF has added how an initial batch of 1,100 cans of Rescue 911 has been brewed and there may be future offerings.
The Local is considering promoting the brew at community events this fall to further raise awareness about mental health and Wounded Warriors Canada and Hills said he hopes the idea spurs similar partnerships across the country.
The Saskatoon Paramedic Association, IAFF Local 3270, has launched Rescue 911, a non-alcoholic lager-style beer, with some of the proceeds going to High Key Brewing Co.
