CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — A Charlottetown business recently celebrated its fifth anniversary by donating money to local charities.
Upstreet Craft Brewing ran a campaign called Cheers for Charity P.E.I. in which they asked Islanders to tag charities and organizations that do good in their community. The winner would receive a $5,000 donation to the charity of their choice. They had over 50 nominations of well-deserving charities - so many that they decided to expand the prize to include two more donations of $2,500.
The $5,000 donation was awarded to P.E.I. Family Violence Prevention Services, nominated by McGregor and Currie Jewelry.
Danya O’Malley, executive director of PEI FVPS, highlighted the importance of supporting organizations that rely heavily on fundraising efforts.
“This is a timely contribution as certain fundraising avenues are on hold due to COVID-19. We appreciate the warm support we receive from the community and our work depends on donations like this,” said O’Malley.
“These funds will go directly to front line crisis services for those impacted by violence. This support is felt most by the women and children who use our services.”
A donation of $2,500 was also given to the Upper Room Food Bank, nominated by Sara Nuesch, and the Canadian Mental Health Association - P.E.I. Chapter, nominated by Tessa Rogers.
Treena Smith, executive director of CMHA-PEI, said the donation will help the organization in its new shift to offering virtual services.
"COVID-19 has placed an extraordinary burden on our ability to fundraise, as well as interesting barriers to providing service,” Smith said.
“This money will go a long way in ensuring that we can continue to create and maintain more virtual means of providing service to people living on Prince Edward Island."
Upstreet CEO Mitch Cobb says the last few months have been difficult but being able to pay it forward has helped.
“We’re such a community-oriented company, and to have to cancel all of our five-year anniversary plans because of the pandemic was heartbreaking,” he said.
“Giving $10,000 to Island charities that have helped so many members of our community these past few months has made it easier.”
