“It is time to step up and take responsibility.” This is the message from Donn Stewart, part owner of the micro-brewery that produces the award-winning Robson’s Beer.
Based in the Shongweni Valley, KwaZulu Natal, the family-owned brewery has given Donn a new perspective on the seriousness of alcohol-related incidents such as domestic violence, abuse and road accidents. He feels that it is his responsibility to promote responsible drinking, and he is willing to go the extra mile to do so. Donn will be embarking on a staggering 1972km cycle trip from the Shongweni Valley, Kwazulu-Natal to The Cape Town Festival of Beer to raise public awareness about alcohol abuse.
Throughout the 20 day trip, Donn plans to use his time wisely. Despite cycling an average of 130km per day, planned stops at schools, universities, and some local pubs & cycle clubs, as well as contact with local and national radio stations will all help him to connect with local audiences and get his message across: Enjoy alcohol – just do it in a responsible manner that is safe for everyone. Furthermore, to raise money for the cause, Robson’s Beer has designed a special edition, Double Indian Pale Ale, which is limited to only 100 bottles; these bottles will be auctioned off online and at the Cape Town Festival of Beer in November. Funds raised will be donated to SADD, South Africans Against Drunk Drivers.
“I am thrilled to be embarking on this campaign” says Donn, “Creating a successful and carefully crafted beer is one aspect of owning a brewery, but the social impact of this business needs to be considered. South Africa struggles with crimes and abuse related to alcohol and therefore I need to be a part of the solution to this.”
With that in mind, Donn is appealing for support and sponsorship to help make the trip a success. Accommodation, food, fuel and even a first aid kit need to be covered. Already, South African Breweries, Future Life, Fat Baz Restaurants, Hillcrest Toyota and ER24 have joined him in support of a very worthy endeavour. He encourages anyone who wishes to contribute, or learn more about his campaign, to contact him on 0832507193.
Follow the journey on Twitter @RobsonsRealBeer. Make a donation to the cause and SMS ‘ROBSONS’ to 38232 SMS charged at R10/SMS
For more information about the brewery visit www.shongwenibrewery.com
