Macquarie today announced that its annual charity fundraiser, the Brew-Off, raised more than $C1.7 million for local Calgary charities. The event, now in its sixth year after taking a two-year pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic, was held on Sept. 22 in collaboration with energy industry partners. The Macquarie Group Foundation will match the funds raised at the Brew-Off, increasing the total amount raised to approximately $C3.2 million.
The craft beer fundraiser is one of the largest industry-driven charitable events in the Calgary area. With matching from the Macquarie Group Foundation, the total amount raised since inception in 2015 is expected to exceed $C6 million. This year's Brew-Off contestants competed for four local organizations: Children's Cottage Society, Momentum, Calgary Women's Emergency Shelter and Calgary Police Youth Foundation. Participants were tasked with using local Alberta ingredients to craft infused beer, which was served as beer flights during the fundraiser. More than 400 people attended the event, held at charbar in Calgary.
Brian Boulanger, CEO of ARC Financial, and Aarnoud van Weelderen, Senior Managing Director at Macquarie Group, took home the competition trophy for Momentum. The other teams that competed included: Andrew Judson, Bonavista Energy and Matt Jenkins, Macquarie Group; Vern Yu, Enbridge and Craig Fisher, Macquarie Group; Sherra Aspin, Tourmaline Oil Corp. and Tamara Schaefer, Macquarie Group.
"This fundraiser showcases the important impact we can have on the community when we bring together our clients and colleagues to compete for a good cause," said Matt Jenkins, CEO of Macquarie Capital Markets Canada Ltd. "I am proud of the success of this year's event and appreciate the support of Macquarie and the Macquarie Group Foundation in helping us make such a positive impact on our local community."
The funds raised at the Brew-Off, with matching from the Macquarie Group Foundation, will support the following Calgary-based charities and their respective initiatives:
- The Children's Cottage Society prevents harm and neglect to children through crisis nursery, respite programs, shelter and support services.
- Momentum works with people living with financial barriers to build sustainable livelihoods and a thriving local economy for everyone.
- Taking a Stand Against Family Violence in the community since 1974, the Calgary Women's Emergency Shelter is focused on ending family violence and abuse in the lives of women, children, youth and men.
- The Calgary Police Youth Foundation keeps children and youth safe from crime and victimization by funding education, prevention and early intervention programs provided by the Calgary Police Service and other community partners.
Aarnoud van Weelderen, a Senior Managing Director in Macquarie's Commodities and Global Markets division, expressed gratitude for the clients and staff who participated in and provided support for the Brew-Off. "All of these charities play a vital role in helping our friends and neighbours build better futures. It was a pleasure joining forces with our clients and their charities to raise awareness and support for their great work."
Commenting on the success of the fundraiser, Pritha Mittal, Macquarie Group Foundation Regional Director, Americas, said: "Events like this showcase what's possible when our staff come together and partner with clients on initiatives. It's even more exciting to know that the Foundation supports our people and is able to increase the impact we can have on these important local charities."
Macquarie has been active in Canada for more than 20 years and employs over 100 people across its four offices in Canada.
