A year ago this past Sunday was the last time we hosted a ‘full house’ in our Tasting Room for our 2020 St. Paddy’s Day Celebration. The Pop Farmers rocked the house, Rob dressed up as a Leprechaun (he still wonders how he agreed to do that), and people were just starting to be a little cautious. ⁠
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Just two days later we, along with other breweries, restaurants, and businesses were in shutdown. We all found ways to operate in our new reality. We started curb-side pick-up, take-out, and delivery. You supported us with gusto. ⁠
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The reality of shutdown presented challenges to the restaurant and hospitality industry, as well as non-profit organizations. We are big believers in supporting those around us and wanted to do whatever we could to help. We’d like to share the results of two of those efforts, as they would not have been a success without community support.⁠
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Before March 2020, we had hosted Red Cross blood drives twice a year. As the shutdown continued, the need for donations were critical, and drive locations were scarce. We began hosting as often as we could. Since March 2020, we have hosted 13 drives, which collected 349 units, and impacted the lives of 1,047 hospital patients. A huge thank you to everyone who has donated.⁠
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In April we organized a collaboration beer called Gratuity, donating 100% of proceeds to the New Hampshire Hospitality Employee Relief Fund. With the support of our entire team at Great North, and our friends at Woodstock, Moat, Smuttynose, Great Rhythm, Amoskeag Beverages, Amherst Label, Wyeast Labs, D Coco Studios, and all who purchased the beer, we were able to make a donation of over $10,000 to the fund.⁠
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In November, we were honored to receive the Stars of the Industry Live Free and Give Award from the New Hampshire Lodging & Restaurant Association. Everyone mentioned above shares a part in that award.⁠
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We know we are in the home stretch, but the needs of these organizations continue. We currently have monthly blood drives scheduled through June if you would like to sign up. And donations can still be made to the NHLRA Employee Relief Fund.