A brewery may be the last type of business you would expect to join the FebFast challenge but that’s exactly what Castlemaine’s Shedshaker Brewing is doing next month.
Shedshaker Brewing director Jacqueline Brodie-Hanns said Shedshaker has long promoted socially sustainable living and FebFast, which raises money for youth in need, is a great initiative for the brewery to support.
“A brewery promoting a break from drinking might seem a strange thing but FebFast is much more than that – it’s a reminder to live a healthy life while raising money for a great cause,” Ms Brodie-Hanns said.
“Some of us will be giving up alcohol for 28 days, others may choose to give up a different vice like sugar or smoking or you can sign up to be FebFit and work on getting more active,” she said.
“I’m planning on doing ‘FebFab’ where I will customise my own challenge!” Brodie-Hanns said.
To launch Shedshaker’s fundraising campaign, the Taproom will host a special Books in the Brewery event in conjunction with Northern Books with the launch of Jill Stark’s new book Higher Sobriety next Thursday February 2.
“Jill will be in conversation with one of our favourites, local author Jenny Valentish, to talk about Jill’s journey over the past 10 years since she wrote her first book about going sober, High Sobriety,” Ms Brodie-Hanns said.
“To further promote FebFast throughout the month, our Taproom will stock an extensive range of non-alcoholic drinks for not only those people who are giving up booze for a month, but those who already don’t drink.
“There is a real movement away from alcohol and people choosing to live a life of sobriety. We cater for vegans and for gluten free customers and this is just another way we can provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for all,” she said.
“Of course, for those who have decided to give up another vice, our hand-crafted beers will be available for your enjoyment.
“We will be encouraging our patrons to donate to FebFast and are hoping to raise more than $1000 for the cause,” Brodie-Hanns said.
FebFast is an annual campaign to raise money for Youth Support + Advocacy Services (YSAS), who help disadvantaged young people deal with addiction.
Ms Brodie-Hanns said there is more to FebFast than just not drinking or taking on the fitness challenge.
“We have a young workforce here at Shedshaker and see ourselves the challenges many young people face.
“FebFast is a chance to help raise money for a really good cause while also promoting sensible life choices.”
To book a seat or table for Jill Stark’s Books at the Brewery event, visit: https://www.northernbooks.com.au/jill-stark
To donate to FebFast, visit https://febfast.org.au/s-brewing and help Shedshaker reach its $1000 goal.
