August 18, 2020
Supporting local never tasted so good with new community-oriented release beer
Great Lakes Brewery (GLB) is pleased to announce the beginning of a new partnership with the Jean Augustine Centre for Young Women’s Empowerment (J.A.C.). The partnership will commence with the imminent release of a new special release beer in an effort to generate funds for the south Etobicoke organization.
“The COVID pandemic dealt a devastating blow to community businesses, associations and charitable groups, of all shapes and stripes, and now is the time to support one another,” said Peter Bulut, Owner & President, GLB. “It brings me great pleasure to share the details of our latest community conscious beer – Empowered – with my dear friend, Jean Augustine and her terrific Centre.”
Launching on Wednesday August 19th, GLB will introduce Empowered, a 4.6% New England style Pale Ale brewed with love and support for J.A.C.
$1 from each can purchased will be donated directly to J.A.C, who offer a holistic approach to empowerment by providing programs that support the mental, physical and social wellbeing of girls & young women. The generated funds will be used to assist with programming needs impacted due to the ramifications COVID presented.
Emma Asiedu-Akrofi, Executive Director of J.A.C. stated that, “proceeds from the sale of Empowered will go towards ensuring that we can continue to provide programs and services that foster the healthy development of girls and young women.”
“Jean has done so much for the south Etobicoke community, for so many years, helping improve the lives of Etobicans through programs and policy, all done through respect and kindness. When we it was brought to our attention that the Centres’ funding was impacted, we immediately wanted to help out.”
– Peter Bulut
“At J.A.C. we consider ourselves and our work as part of community building. We thank GLB for the support which this campaign will provide to us.”
– Honourable Jean Augustine
Empowered will be available for a limited time through the GLB online shop for free local home delivery, brewery curbside pick-up and will also be available to purchase in person at the brewery retail store. 473ml cans will retail for $3 each, 8 packs for $24, 24 case for $60.
The Beer – It pours hazy golden yellow in colour with a tight white crown. Aromas of tropical fruits (slight pineapple and mango) alongside some grapefruit, peach, and pear, with a touch of floral notes. Light to medium bodied with a delicate bitterness, Empowered NE Pale Ale offers subtle notes of fresh peach, mango, grape and a hint of watermelon. A complex beer at a lower abv and all for a great cause.
For more information about J.A.C. and how you can help support them, please see the Q & A featured on greatlakesbeer.com/
“Our community means the world to us here at GLB. We lean on each other in times of need. We look out for each other when times are tough. We, are stronger together.”
– Bulut
About Jean Augustine Centre for Young Women’s Empowerment
Founded in June 2014 in the Mimico region of Etobicoke ON, the Jean Augustine Centre for Young Women’s Empowerment takes a holistic approach to empowerment by providing programs that support the mental, physical & social wellbeing of girls & young women. Learn more about how you can help by visiting jeanaugustinecentre.ca
About the Honourable Jean Augustine
Hon. Jean Augustine PC, CM, CBE is the first African-Canadian woman to be elected to the House of Commons. She was elected in the riding of Etobicoke-Lakeshore in 1993 & sat in Parliament until 2006. During this time, she served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister, Minister of State & Deputy Speaker.
In 2007, Dr. Jean Augustine was nominated by the Government of Ontario as Fairness Commissioner, a position created to advocate for Canadians with foreign credentials. Dr. Augustine retired from the position of Fairness Commissioner in March 2015.
Among Dr. Augustine’s many achievements & honours includes leading the motion that allowed for the placement of the Famous Five statue on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, & the motion that created Black History Month in Canada.
Dr. Augustine has received honorary Doctor of Laws degree from seven universities & has been recognized by having the Jean Augustine Girls’ Leadership Academy, Jean Augustine Secondary School, Jean Augustine Centre for Young Women’s Empowerment, Jean Augustine Park, & the Jean Augustine Chair in Education at York University named in her honour.
