Several Minnesota breweries are reacting to the chaos that Minnesota immigrants have been through lately, with good intentions. Namely ICE and their oppressive mission, Operation Metro Surge which has been ripping through the Twin Cities and beyond since the beginning of the year.
ICE now claims to be pulling back on their operation yet these breweries are continuing their donation programs that give back to communities in need. Here are some ways to give back the next time you decide to go out.
Unmapped Brewing in Minnetonka has been gathering essentials for an organization called Bridge to Basics which is a hygiene bank dedicated to getting people the products they need on the daily such as toothbrushes, menstrual products, soap, toilet paper and many others.
They’ve also been donating to food shelves and Immigrant resource organizations which are crucial, especially right now.
Co-owner Derek Allmendinger is proud of his team for the effort they’ve made during these trying times. “In response to ICE we’ve been gathering money, food, and pet food for the same food bank (ICA). We have been gathering personal hygiene products for an organization called Bridge to Basics. We are also providing resources for staying safe, knowing your rights, and just generally being a safe place for our community. It’s amazing how supportive people have been!”
Fulton Brewing is running a supply drive for the Joyce Uptown Food Shelf that will run indefinitely as they continue to provide support those in the community affected by ICE. Joyce Uptown Food Shelf has been supporting their community since 1969. They have a no appointments, no questions asked policy and provide two bags of food per month to individuals.
Fulton’s CEO and co-founder Ryan Petz had this to say back in January via Fulton’s social channels.
“We’ve Never envisioned Fulton as platform for political debate. Our work has always been focused on something simpler and more human: bringing people from all walks of life together over a beer. But the last few weeks feel different because our city, our state, and our day-to-day life is under attack from our own federal government.
The most famous line from our nation’s Declaration of Independence state that among our unalienable rights are ‘Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.’ Right now, these rights that we have long take for granted are getting trampled on.
Life? Two Minneapolis residents dead. Liberty? Uncounted thousands detained, harassed, living in fear. Pursuit of Happiness? Seems impossible without the other two.
Our children’s teachers missing, either fearing for their safety or just gone, taken; their classmates fleeing the country, legal citizens unable to bear the ongoing racial profiling. Restaurants unable to open, because their staff live in constant fear. Masked gunmen forcing an entire block out of their apartments.
These are not abstractions; this was Monday. And the day before, and the weeks before that. In what version of America has this ever been acceptable?
America’s greatness, such that it is, has never belonged to a politician or political party. All it ever was or might someday be can only exist to the extent that we the people make it so, within our families, our neighbors, our communities. It goes way beyond who you voted for, it’s about who you show up for, today, tomorrow, and every day.
It is there that what little power we have as individuals is multiplied as a community; where we see the best of humanity in our neighbors.
Volunteers bringing in food and supplies to those who can’t leave home.
Business owners giving rides to employees who no longer feel safe on public transit.
Parents patrolling streets outside schools.
50,000 people marching peacefully in the bitter cold.
We want to say thank you and recognize the selflessness, generosity and bravery of this community who are making an impact in so many big and small ways. For our part, we will continue to support our employees and prioritize their safety. Our ongoing supply drive will continue indefinitely. And our doors will remain open and welcoming if you need a beer, an ear, a hug, or a soft place to land.
As Minnesotans, we know a few things. How to grow community gardens with a growing season barely 4 months long, and how to push a neighbor’s car out of the snow. Or that you don’t have to check someone’s papers to decide whether to treat them with dignity and respect. We also know that no matter how long and cold the winter, spring always comes. ICE will melt away, and we will still be here.
For our employees, customers, neighbors, and fellow businesses, this is personal.”
Modist Brewing will be hosting an even on March 13th from 5 pm to 9 pm called We Take Care of Us. This is not only a party, but a community fundraiser and donation drop off that supports those affected by ICE in the area.
You will find food, music, immigrant resources, tattooing, and craft table all in a family friendly environment. The following vendors can be found on site.
Food vendors:
@caphinmpls
@axehole
@youvebeensouled
@hermanoslocostacos
Tattooers/artists:
@bunnyakahk
@cbriggstattoo
@prettyininktattoo
@common.frog
@erinncreates
Cheers!
