Make summer Tuesdays your Bark 'n' Brew time

By: Cecilia Nasmith, Northumberland 89.7 FM News

Port Hope

Northumberland 89.7 FM and Ganaraska Brewing Company are launching a summer-long fun fundraiser in support of the Northumberland Humane Society they're calling the Bark 'n' Brew.

Between June 17 and Sept. 2, Tuesdays at the craft beer brewery at 33 Mill St. S. in Port Hope will observe Bark 'n' Brew time between 5 and 8 p.m., when 50 cents from every beer purchased goes directly to the Humane Society.

Chill in the doggy tent, enjoy a cold one, and check out the surprises organizers have planned – fun give-aways, cool prizes, guest appearances, special activities. You never know what delightful surprises are in store, but you can be sure (as the Northumberland 89.7 FM press release reminds us) “every beer you enjoy helps provide shelter, food and care to animals who need it most.

“So come out and support a great cause with every sip. Bring your dog, your friends and your love for craft beer – because at Bark 'n' Brew, every pour has purpose.”

And even if you aren't a beer drinker, you can show your support by stopping in, saying hi, checking out the happenings and making a donation.

Much of the credit for Bark 'n' Brew must go to 89.7 FM's board chair Rebecca Kelly, who got the idea while on a well-earned vacation in Nashville. One night, after a concert, she wandered into a local bar buzzing with music and southern charm. The band was hopping, the beer was great, but what caught her heart was the fundraiser the bar was hosting in support of a local animal shelter.

It was a moment that stuck with her. She did not even stop to rest when she got home – instead, she made a beeline for the station to share her vision of an event that could bring together people, pups and purpose. The result was Bark 'n' Brew, a tail-wagging, beer-sipping celebration in partnership with the Northumberland Humane Society.

A planning team came together when Jordan Knight and Kristen Sinclair (host of the N987 show Furry Friends) lent their talents to rally passionate local businesses from the pet world to join the pack.

“It's a movement inspired by one woman's heart, powered by community spirit, and made for every furry friend that makes our lives a little brighter,” the announcement stated.

In Kelly's case, that would be her five-year-old English bulldog.

“Bobbi Marie means the world to me, and it feels good knowing that we can contribute to the care of other animals,” she commented.

For Sinclair – if you count the reptiles and small animals, as well as the dogs and cats – she is pet parent to more than 30.

“I think it's really important that we protect those that are more vulnerable and in a position where they no longer have a home,” she said.

“Making sure we are financially supporting the Northumberland Humane Society means we are protecting some of the earth's most vulnerable.”

Kelly notes that, as a truly local radio station, “we have the ability to unite our listeners with not only music but giving back to worthy causes such as NHS.

“Life is busy, summer is short, and what better way to get together as a community and celebrate the love of our dogs while having a cold beverage.”