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If you order some of this beer, it's for a good Coquitlam cause

Sales of a Czech pilsner by Mariner Brewing will help Coquitlam Search and Rescue buy a custom 22-foot jet boat for water rescues

Coquitlam Search and Rescue (SAR) volunteers need some beer money — but not so they can socialize after a training session or successful rescue.

Instead, they want all Tri-City COVID-19 home-bodies to buy the beer brewed especially for the local SAR team to help them in a fundraising effort.

SAR hopes sales from a new pilsner brewed by Coquitlam's Mariner Brewing in Coquitlam will get them closer to their goal.

Coquitlam SAR vice-president Helena Michelis said the idea grew out of a brainstorming session to come up with ways to raise more cash. Mariner Brewing is a popular place for local SAR volunteers to hang out, so linking up was a match made in “beer” heaven.

”We are hoping to raise $50,000 more. That’s a lot to fundraise with bits and pieces,” Michelis said.

Coquitlam SAR fundraising beer
Mariner Brewing is selling the pilsner on its website and at its Coquitlam brewery, with $1 from each pack going to Coquitlam Search and Rescue. - Submitted

Lauren Ang of Mariner Brewing said it was a no-brainer to support SAR because of all the work it does in the community plucking lost and injured hikers from mountains and rescuing people who find themselves on the water in dangerous situations.

“It's incredible what they do as first responders, and they are all volunteer. It’s a really important cause and we thought by doing the collaboration we could help out,” Ang told The Tri-City News.

The hope is that people purchase the beer in the distinctive white cans with the SAR label, and Ang says the pilsner is perfect for imbibing at home on a weekend while isolating due to COVID-19.

(“Czech-style pilsner is brewed with premium German malt and Saaz hops to create a delicious, classic,” according to the tasting notes.)

Sales of a Czech pilsner by Mariner Brewing will help Coquitlam Search and Rescues
Sales of a Czech pilsner by Mariner Brewing will help Coquitlam Search and Rescue by a custom 22-foot jet boat for water rescues. - Submitted

So far, the beer has proven popular with search and rescue members but others are welcome to purchase the beer at Mariner’s online store and have it delivered, or they can go to the brewery at 1100 Lansdowne Dr. to pick it up.

Meanwhile, a builder has already been found for the planned 22-foot jet boat once fundraising — including brew sales — is completed.

“We’re super excited,” admitted Michelis, “it’s been a bright spot in a difficult time. It’s nice to have a little fun.”