MALTA, N.Y. (NEWS10) —The community in Malta spent the afternoon raising a glass for a good cause. A local brewery teamed up with firefighters to support their departments.
At Active Ingredient Brewing Company, every time an Amber Embers beer is sold a portion of that is a donation going towards helping volunteer firefighter departments. Malta Ridge and the Round Lake Fire department were the two departments chosen.
“We do a beer each year called Amber Embers, which is a hoppy, American, amber ale and this year we donated $2 for every pint sold and $2 for every four-pack sold,” said Brian Fox, Co-Owner of Active Ingredient Brewing Company.
The owners of the brewery were wrapping up their almost year-long donation campaign to the fire departments. Their goal was $1,400 for each department and they are well over that now!
“Anything extra that is raised today, will go to the fire departments. So, over the total year of the campaign, around just under $6,000,” said Fox.
The fundraiser was inspired by former employee of Active Ingredient Brewery Company and current Malta Ridge firefighter, Jeff Stack.
“It was just kind of a no brainer, you know, to give to an organization that gives so much to the rest of the community,” said Nathan Rogers, also Co-Owner of Active Ingredient Brewing Company.
Jeff Stack was at the event, and he shared how much this means to the firefighters.
“Just the gratitude to Brian and Nate to not only want to help, but buy into the mission of raising awareness and for the volunteer fire department industry is very much appreciated,” said Stack.
Shawn Flynn, Assistant Chief for the Round Lake Fire Department gave a brief rundown on how much it can costs to operate a fire department because prices have grown enormously in recent years.
“The fire truck now is running over a million dollars. A set of gear for firefighters can be upwards of $5000 to $6000. So, every little bit counts, and every little bit helps us,” said Flynn.
Many community members came with their families to support the cause and some even came dressed up for the occasion in firefighter jackets and hats.
“We’ve been in the neighborhood for a long time,” said David Ross, a community member at the event. “We wanted to show support to the community services that keep us safe and, you know, obviously are just so important to having a strong community.”
If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer firefighter with Malta Ridge or Round Lake, you can reach out directly to their departments for more information.
Tyanna Xavier
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