Breweries, drinks producers, pubs and bars across the capital are backing an initiative running from September 18-22 to get funds to Maui after the devastating wildfires last month. After the owner of Maui Brewing put out a call on social media for aid, the UK hospitality industry has stepped up with a series of events across London, in an effort to assist with the rebuilding effort, after wildfires decimated huge portions of the island. More than 16 breweries and drinks producers (listed in notes to editors) from London to Liverpool and Yorkshire to Aberdeen have committed to giving free kegs to venues, in an effort to encourage drinkers to grab a beer and do some good, with all profits (ex-VAT) being donated to the most efficient causes on Maui at the time.

Co-organiser Katie Ward, of Pimentae Drinks, said of the events: “Maui Brewing has always been at heart of its community, and owner Garrett Marrero has always been incredibly supportive of both the UK and global brewing community, and we just really want to lend our support and, as Oprah and The Rock said on Instagram the other day, putting money in the hands of the people who need it most is absolutely vital right now.”

One of the other organisers of the event Richard Dinwoodie, owner of The Rake & Tap East, said: “We have long had a relationship with breweries from Maui, and when we heard they needed our support, we decided to put our heads together with Katie and see what we could do. The outpouring of support for the idea has been amazing, especially given how everyone in this sector is feeling the squeeze right now.”

The events will be kicking off on Monday September 18 at The Rake in Borough Market with a special edition of Brewery Bingo – where drinkers can go head-to-head in teams to test their brewery knowledge in the name of charity. Also supporting the events are London venues The Sutton Arms in Clerkenwell, All Good Beer in Lower Clapton, Kill the Cat in Spitalfields and the Gipsy Hill taproom.