Brewery taps special beer to raise funds for baby with rare cancer

Photo: Contributed

A North Vancouver craft brewery is selling a special edition beer to raise funds for a newborn Squamish baby who is suffering from a rare form of cancer that could require expensive surgery in the United States.

North Point Brewing co-owner Liam Jeffries – a friend of the family – has opened his heart, and his taps, in an effort to help little Alejandro (Alejo) Angel.

Alejo IPA is the new beer.

“We’ve made it with love and positive vibes,” says Jeffries, who has been good friends with Alejo’s uncle Felipe since they were both high school students in West Vancouver.

Media attention has generated a big response from the public.

“It’s overwhelming, in a good way,” says Jeffries.

A portion of sales from all cans and in-store pours of Alejo IPA will go to the family’s GoFundMe campaign.

They’ve already filled 2,500 cans with the brew, and are aiming to get that number up to 10,000. As long as people are buying, they’ll keep selling until the fundraising goal is reached, says Jeffries.

As of Thursday, the campaign had raised more than $285,000 of their $500,000 goal.

“The community is just so amazing,” says Jeffries. “It’s unbelievable to see so many people from all over come together and rally and help baby Alejo.”