THE OWNERS of an Irish pub in the US are bringing locals together in support of the victims and wildlife affected by the Australian bushfires.
Fadó Irish Pub in Annapolis is a popular drinking spot for many from the Maryland capital thanks to a combination of great beers and a rarefied Irish atmosphere.
But this Saturday, January 25, it won’t be the Irish tricolour that hangs behind the bar but instead the colours of Australia.
Eager to show their support and mark Australia Day, the pub will be hosting a special benefit to raise funds for several charities working to support those affected by the devastating blazes that have gripped the country.
The event, which is sponsored by Katcef Brothers, Inc., the local Anheuser-Busch distributor, will feature live music, a silent auction, drink specials and prizes.
Attendees will be required to make a $5 donation while the Fado Irish Pub will also be donating a portion of its sales of Bud Light, Stella Artois, Goose Island IPA, Devils Backbone Vienna Lager and other select brews to the cause.
Proceeds generated from the benefit will go directly to supporting both the victims and wildlife affected with all of the funds generated to be split between two Australian charities: Australia Red Cross and WIRES, a wildlife rescue organisation.
It’s a cause that has the full support of Annapolis’s mayor, Gavin Buckley, for like many others, was left stunned and saddened by the unfolding scenes Down Under.
The situation is particularly poignant given Buckley was born Perth in Western Australia.
He emigrated to the US in 1992, eventually becoming a naturalised citizen in 2009.
"The face of climate change is different in different parts of the world," Buckley told Patch.com.
"In Annapolis, it is sea-level rise. In Australia, it is drought followed by devastating bushfires. I may be Mayor of Annapolis today, but a piece of my heart remains down under."
Anyone wishing to donate to Australia Red Cross and WIRES can do so via the links provided.
