From spirits to hand sanitizer
Niagara Falls Craft Distillers is now brewing up hand sanitizer in addition to its small batch spirits.
The Stanley Avenue company is following in the footsteps of Dillon’s Small Batch Distillers in Beamsville which has been bottling alcohol to use as sanitizer and donating the much-needed product to front-line workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We were really awe inspired by what they had chosen to do so we wanted to contribute, to help our community, as well,” said Andy Murison, sales and marketing manager.
For the past two weeks, the local company, headed by owner and distiller Chris Jeffries, has been producing its own sanitizer, with 10 per cent of production being donated back to front line workers, food banks and various charities.
“There was never really a discussion about it, it was the right thing to do,” Murison said.
“There’s a lot of great people in the city who have done a fantastic job supporting our business because we’re local and we wanted to do something. It’s our way of saying thank you.”
A crew from the distillery delivered to several local organizations last week, including Project Share.
“This essential item is hard to find during the current pandemic and will help to keep our staff safe while we continue to distribute emergency food to our Niagara Falls neighbours who are living below the poverty line,” said Pam Sharp, the agency’s director of community engagement.
The product was also donated to Niagara Parks Police, which has also received sanitizer from Dillon’s.
“This is great example of everyone, including the private sector, coming together during this public health crisis,” said polic Chief Paul Forcier.
“The ingenuity, adaptability and generosity by these companies is greatly appreciated by all of our staff who continue to work 24-7 to keep the public safe.”
Niagara Falls Craft Distillers has also launched a program to assist local bartenders, who are now unemployed due to the pandemic. A portion of revenue from online sales will be donated back to bartenders in the form of gift cards.
“Our business was growing because of the bartenders, these are the people who are championing our brands,” Murison said.
Niagara Falls Craft Distillers bottles specialty vodka, gin, whisky and other spirits. Its antibacterial Health Canadaapproved hand sanitizer is also available for purchase.
For further information, visit niagara falls craft distillers. com.