Stories from the Trails: Banff Ave Brewing Co. Beer Supports Library’s Little Free Pantry
This winter, the Banff Public Library partnered with local business Banff Ave Brewing Co. on a simple initiative with a meaningful impact called “Community On Tap”.
From January through March, Banff Ave Brewing Co.’s First Draft Lager is featured as the Community Tap beer. The classic lager — light, refreshing, and made for enjoying after a day in the mountains — supports a local cause with every pint poured.
For every 16 oz Community Tap beer sold, $1 is donated to the Banff Public Library in support of their Little Free Pantry, helping keep this important community wellbeing resource stocked for residents.
More than just books
As a not-for-profit organization and registered charity, the Banff Public Library supports the community in many ways beyond books and reading. Along with its collections and learning resources, the library offers children’s programming, social service supports, yoga classes, and community initiatives such as the Little Free Pantry and a Diaper Bank.
Located at the front of the Banff Public Library, the Little Free Pantry provides packaged, non-perishable food and toiletries for people experiencing food insecurity in Banff and the Bow Valley. Cans of soup and beans, or even sanitary products, and just some of the many items that can be found in this pantry.
Open and accessible to anyone who needs it, the pantry offers a simple way for community members to access essential items.
Through initiatives like Community on Tap, funds raised will help the library purchase additional food and supplies for the Little Free Pantry — a program that continues to see strong use within the community.
The power of partnership
A lot of this couldn’t be done without the support of local businesses and organizations who play an important role in expanding these programs.
“When we have partnerships with other organizations, it allows us to expand what we can offer to the community,” shared Sarah McCormack, Library Director at the Banff Public Library.
Collaborations have helped bring programs like Compass for the Caregiver to life, where funding from RAM Consulting allowed the library to provide resources and materials for caregivers at no cost. Retail stores like Lululemon and Lole have also helped provide yoga mats so the library can offer free yoga classes for the community.
Through collaboration between local businesses and community non-profit organizations, initiatives like Community on Tap show how tourism can support community wellbeing across Banff and Lake Louise.
We asked Sarah, “What does ‘Lead Tourism for Good’ mean to you?”
Lead Tourism for Good means recognizing that Banff is a high tourism destination and finding ways to match community needs with visitors, infrastructure, and services.
With a constantly changing population of residents, seasonal workers, and visitors, Banff has different needs than many other communities. Partnerships like like the one we spoke about to today help organizations be responsive to those needs and support the people who live and work here.
Watch the Interview with Sarah on the Lead Tourism for Good Instagram!