Fundraiser supports employees of Calgary brewery two months after fire

It was a party with a purpose at a northeast Calgary brewery Wednesday night, in support of the employees of another beloved taproom that went up in flames nearly two months ago.

Dozens turned out to Industry Brew Day at Toolshed Brewing Company in support of Inglewood’s Ol’ Beautiful, which was destroyed by a blaze in the early morning hours of June 30.

“We have a lot of staff that work for us there that overnight, didn’t have a job, so we’re here — Toolshed reached out overnight, like right after the fire, and offered to throw this event for us and we agreed. We’re here to just have a good time and celebrate, try and raise some funds to help support our team,” Ol’ Beautiful co-founder Chris Carroll said.

“Even a thousand dollars, a couple thousand dollars will go a long way.”

Carroll said the brewery has received an overwhelming amount of support during the closure of its taproom.

More than $25,000 was raised through a GoFundMe, and prints of a local artist’s painted rendition of the building are being sold in support of the staff.

Ol’ Beautiful’s production facility has been brewing since the fire, and its beers are still available on tap throughout Alberta and various retail locations.