Squamish based beer company Backcountry Brewing has released a limited edition batch of Suck It Cancer pale ale as part of a fundraiser for the BC Cancer Foundation.
This is the second year of the Suck It Cancer beer. In 2019, Backcountry Brewing raised $11,033. This year, they hope to raise $15,000.
“The support from BC beer drinkers was so overwhelming last year, we knew we had to do it again,” Ben Reeder, Marketing Director at Backcountry Brewing said.
Reeder said that the effort would not be possible without the support of generous sponsors and partners within BC’s craft brewing industry — Summit Labels, Hops Connect, Vessel Packaging Co, Rahr Malting, and BSG Canada.
Backcountry Brewing has produced 15,000 litres of Suck It Cancer and will donate $50 per keg ordered, $1 per 4-pack, and $0.50 for each sleeve sold in the tasting room.
“We are so grateful to once again partner with Backcountry Brewing to break down cancer across B.C.,” said Sarah Roth, President & CEO, BC Cancer Foundation. “This year, more than ever, British Columbians facing cancer need hope, and the brilliant teams at BC Cancer are determined to carry on with breakthrough research with the support of this campaign and our generous community.”
Each can of ‘Suck it Cancer’ features art from late Sea to Sky artist, Michael ‘Chili’ Thom. Reeder said that Backcountry Brewing was in discussions with Chili about using some of his art on their products before he passed away four years ago from complications with cancer. Reeder was a friend of Chili’s and said many of the owners at Backcountry Brewing were connected to Chili personally or through his art.
Chili’s mother Maureen Thom, who lives in Ladysmith, said that the ‘Suck It Cancer’ beer is a great way to honour Chili’s legacy.
“It’s absolutely fabulous,” she said. “Chili would be thrilled, I know he’s just thrilled.”
Backcountry Brewing is also selling stickers and limited edition prints of Chili’s art on their website.
Cans and kegs of the 2020 Suck It Cancer beer will be available at finer stores and establishments throughout the Sea to Sky Corridor, the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley as well as select spots in the Okanagan, Vancouver Island and the BC Interior. Cans are available at Oyster Bay Liquor Store just north of Ladysmith.
Chili’s estate continues to sell prints of his artwork. Proceeds from his art go toward supporting his daughter. Chili’s art is available at chilithom.com.
