As a heat wave descends upon Edmonton in the final days of summer vacation, one brewery is looking to collect cases of water to donate to those in need. Arcadia Brewery matches its donations to the needs of each season: in the winter, they’ve been known to go out onto the streets on -25 C days to give out handwarmers and other essentials. With the weather calling for intense high 30 C temperatures this weekend, their biggest collection right now is regular bottles of water. “We’re not just a business,” said Arcadia owner Darren McGeown in an interview Tuesday. “We’re trying to give back to the community as much as possible.” McGeown said, to them, that means “breaking down stigmas” by “actually going out there.” “It’s quite satisfying and very fulfilling to be doing this work, and it means a lot more to us when we go out there. Every week we meet community members who have stories to tell,” he added. Anyone interested in donating can bring cases straight to the brewery in Manchester Square anytime they’re open. McGeown said they increase their available donation days from every Wednesday to whenever possible during times of extreme need. He also pointed out that, while the brewery is able to stockpile large amounts of water in their cooler, there are other places to donate if space runs out, like Water Warriors. “And if you do see people in distress, call 211. If you see someone, help them out,” McGeown said.
