When tragedy strikes it’s easy to feel hopeless. However, here in Austin we stubbornly hold to the mantra that we can “BE the change we want to see in the world.” That’s why this week we have an extreme case of the warm and fuzzies for Oskar Blues Brewery‘s Austin location shifting a sizable portion of its hops and grain factory to immediately begin canning water for flood relief efforts in neighboring Baton Rouge, LA.
The flooding that began there in early August has killed 13 people, damaged 110,000 homes, and the Red Cross expects relief efforts to cost upwards of $30 million.
In situations of large-scale damage to infrastructure, especially flooding, potable water and electricity are the first services to go. That is why Oskar Blues is using its powers for good to crank out as much canned drinking water as possible.
This isn’t the first time Oskar Blues Brewery, purveyor of hoppy Dale’s Pale Ale, has lent a hand in times of need. As part of their business and manufacturing model, Oskar Blues can seamlessly shift from production of beer to water through their Can’d Aid program.
Whether it’s 38,000 cans of water to flood victims in South Carolina‘s devastating 2015 flood or 100,000 cans for the ongoing water-crisis in Flint, Michigan, when it comes to relief Oskar Blues has a very can-do approach.
In addition to this welcome outpouring of aid, Austinites have organized several events to raise funds and gather supplies for the people of Baton Rouge. The Aid for Baton Rouge Trip 2 Facebook group will be accepting donations until 8/27, the Baton Rouge Relief Adult Swim & Party which offers gumbo, swimming, and drinks will run from 6-10 p.m. tonight, and Austin’s own uShip is helping numerous local businesses deliver relief to those in need.
If we could get a hippie militia of small boats to Louisiana, like the Baton Rouge Cajun Navy in the video below, we would do that, too!
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWGBU_2t_CU]
To get involved with relief efforts, feel free to donate time, money, food, or supplies to the Red Cross’ Louisiana Flood Relief Program. If you have been affected by the flood or want to offer additional assistance, the BBB Disaster Relief Support page is there to lend a hand.
(H/T – npr.org)
Featured photo courtesy Oskar Blues Facebook page
