A national organization that provides mental health services and resources to first responders and military personnel is getting a boost thanks to a partnership between the Saskatoon Paramedics Association and a local brewery.
The Saskatoon Paramedic Association, IAFF Local 3270, recently launched Rescue 911, a non-alcoholic lager-style beer. The craft beverage is brewed by the High Key Brewing Co., and some of the proceeds go to Wounded Warriors Canada, a national organization that provides services, education and training to trauma-exposed professionals including paramedics, fire fighters, police and military personnel.
Local 3270 Past President Paul Hills, who spearheaded the initiative, says the idea took flight when he was at the brewery for lunch and asked a co-owner if they partner with organizations for custom labels. The answer was yes, and the hoppy beverage is now flowing from the High Key’s taps and is available in cans.
A pair of Beer Launch & Burger Night events held at the end of July to officially launch the beer were very well received and raised $3,500. But the initiative is also designed to raise awareness about the mental health impacts that paramedics and other emergency responders face because of their duties.
“The money is a nice bonus, but the uniqueness of the idea is the platform for awareness about mental health and Wounded Warriors, I think that’s the more important thing,” said Hills.
The money is a nice bonus, but the uniqueness of the idea is the platform for awareness about mental health and Wounded Warriors, I think that’s the more important thing.
Saskatoon Ambulance Local 3270 past president paul hills
He added the fact that Rescue 911 is a non-alcoholic beer is an important aspect of the initiative in a couple of ways.
“For a lot of first responders, alcohol can be a challenge in their lives, causing a lot of negativity through substance abuse. And on our job, it may be the cause of a lot of our mental health injuries with drunk driving accidents, major collisions, assaults and other things that are rooted in alcohol use.”
An initial batch of 1,100 cans of Rescue 911 has been brewed, and there may be future offerings. The Local is considering promoting the brew at community events this fall to further raise awareness about mental health and Wounded Warriors Canada, and Hills said he hopes the idea spurs similar partnerships across the country.
