Whistler Brewing launches limited edition lager with proceeds going to the Canadian Mental Health Association North and West Vancouver Branch
North Vancouver, B.C. (June 28, 2021) – Whistler Brewing Company has taken inspiration from the celebrated work of Squamish abstract artist Sarah Symes to create BE KIND Butterfly Flower Lager, a limited-edition brew which is now available to purchase at Whistler Brewing’s Taphouse in Function Junction in Whistler and in liquor stores throughout B.C.
Each can of lager features unique peel off artwork, provided free of charge by Summit Labels, featuring Symes’ internationally recognised rainbow artwork which also doubles as a sticker to help consumers spread the Be Kind message. Partial proceeds from every can sold will be donated to the Canadian Mental Health Association North and West Vancouver branch (CMHA NWV) to fund free mental health literacy training and initiatives throughout the Sea-to-Sky Corridor.
Inspired by the rainbows drawn by kids all over Squamish, Sarah Symes’ rainbow has been shared with millions worldwide by the United Nations as part of their Global Call Out To Creatives to help stop the spread of COVID-19. The piece was used to symbolize global solidarity with the colours of the rainbow representing world flags and the hand-drawn shape reflecting our imperfect human nature during a time when it has been so important to be kind to each other, and ourselves.
Now, thanks to this community partnership between Symes, Whistler Brewing and Summit Labels the artwork is coming to fridges near you to raise funds for a good cause and to spread a message of positivity – be kind.
“Our community has been hit hard by the pandemic and the demands on mental health services have been profound. We rely on our community’s support and this initiative reminds us all that we’re not alone,” says Julia Kaisla, Executive Director, CMHA NWV. “We’re delighted that the Be Kind coalition has chosen our cause to be the recipient of funds from this exciting project and thank Whistler Brewing and Summit Labels for their commitment to improving mental wellbeing and to Sarah for sharing her talent and message of hope and positivity. Kindness has never been more important, and we have seen over the course of pandemic that there is so much of it in our community. Kindness is an antidote to stress, and research has shown that when we spread kindness we too become healthier and happier too.”
“The goal of this brew was to make an approachable beer that was both easy to drink and unique,” says Clinton Small, Brewmaster of Whistler Brewing. “We started with a crisp lager base dry hopped with Citra hops, and added Butterfly Pea Flower, which augments the light herbal notes in the beer and creates a purple tone, symbolizing the colour of peace.”
Two-hundred and fifty cases of the limited edition BE KIND Butterfly Flower Lager have been produced and will soon be available for purchase in private liquor stores and select BC Liquor Stores throughout British Columbia.
“Giving back to our community, and being involved in projects we can be proud of is a core pillar of our culture at Summit Labels. When we saw Sarah’s artwork, we knew we had to get involved and help spread her message of being kind, especially during these challenging times we’ve all endured,” says Gerald Chang, Managing Partner, Summit Labels.
“We’re extremely proud to not only support an immensely talented local artist in sharing such a positive message but to be a part of a project that supports such a worthy cause. Following mental health awareness month that just happened in May, we can’t think of a better time to continue the conversation on ensuring we’re taking care of and being kind to each other and ourselves.”
“Every time the United Nations shares my rainbow it has a butterfly effect,” says Sarah Symes, Be Kind rainbow artist. “Millions of small acts of kindness make a big difference. My little creation is on a journey well beyond mine and I wish it well on the mission it was designed for: to help make the world a kinder place.”
Sarah Symes Be Kind Rainbow Prints and stickers are also available for purchase at sarahsymes.com with proceeds also going to CMHA NWV.
About Canadian Mental Health Association – North and West Vancouver Branch
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), North and West Vancouver branch is a not-for-profit, charitable organization. We provide a wide range of innovative and essential services and supports tailored to and in partnership with the communities of North and West Vancouver, Bowen Island, the Sunshine Coast and the Sea-to-Sky Corridor. For information on our programs and services visit northwestvancouver.cmha.bc.ca
Notes to Editor
BE KIND Butterfly Flower Lager can be purchased at following locations in the Lower Mainland:
Burnaby:
Northgate Liquor Store
Garibaldi Highlands:
Sea to Sky Hotel
Langley:
Artful Dodger Liquor Store
Willoughby Liquor Store
Langley Liquor Warehouse
Maple Ridge:
The Witch Liquor Store
Black Sheep Pub Liquor Store
Maple Ridge Liquor Store
Kanaka Creek Liquor Store
New Westminster:
Royal Towers Hotel
River’s Reach Liquor Store
Port Coquitlam:
Samz Liquor Store
Arms Beer Wine & Liquor Store
Port Moody:
Newport Liquor Merchants
Port Moody Liquor Store
Richmond:
The Plaza Liquor Store
Squamish:
Squamish Liquor Store
Surrey:
South Point Station Liquor Store
Grandview Corners Liquor Store
Vancouver:
Toby’s Beer Store
Kitsilano Cold Beer & Wine Store
Cedar Cottage Neighbourhood Liquor Store
Monashee’s 30th Street Private Liquor Store
Eldorado Liquor Store
Fairview Liquor Store
New District Wine Beer Spirits
Whistler:
Whistler Liquor Store
Creekside Pub Restaurant & Cold Beer & Wine Store
Blackcomb Liquor Store
CMHA NWV Media Contact:
Rachel Rocco
Development Officer
P: 7778 223 7303
E: rachel.rocco@cmha.bc.ca