"Sup for the city" - drink Beer and raise money for Christchurch this Friday night...

This Friday evening, bars around the country will be holding a ‘Sup for the City’ in aid of the victims of the Christchurch earthquake.

The concept is simple: drop in to one of the bars listed below and first enjoy a drink with friends. Some bars are sourcing donated beer, the profits from which will go directly to the Red Cross to help the people of Christchurch.

At 7pm a minutes silence will be held in memory of those who have lost their lives or are listed as missing.

At 7:01pm each of the bars will be holding an auction or a raffle to raise money for those suffering in Christchurch and you will, of course, be invited to dig deeply into your wallets.

Come along and support Christchurch.

Auckland, Manager Martin Bridges – Andrew Andrew, 201 Quay St, Viaduct from 5pm on, raffles begin 7pm www.viewauckland.co.nz/pubsandbars/andrew-andrew-info-66530.html

Hamilton, Manager  Greig McGill - House on Hood, 27 Hood St, Hamilton  from 5pm on, raffles begin 7pm www.houseonhood.co.nz

Wellington, Manager Kieran Haslett-Moore – Bar Edward, 167 Riddiford Street, from 5pm on, raffles begin 7pm www.baredward.co.nz

Nelson, Manager Mic Dover – The Freehouse, 95 Collingwood St, Nelson, details to follow or ask Mic www.thefreehouse.co.nz

Dunedin, Manager Bob King – The team at Emerson are organising something right now we will have a venue tomorrow at latest same format as above is expected.

Blenheim, Manager Geoff Griggs - The Old Bank, 81 Cleghorn Street, Blenheim, from 6pm coordinated by Geoff.

The evening has been organised by David Cryer, others from the Brewers’ Guild of New Zealand and many SOBA members. BGNZ has already generously provided two tickets to each of three Beervana events and more prizes to win will be available at each of the venues. The evening is still taking form, so check the SOBA website (www.soba.org.nz) for up to date information.

David Cryer says:

"I think it is important for our group to gather and express our grief and feelings for the people of Canterbury and our brewing friends in the city. It is not a competition to see which bar can raise the most funds but a chance for our members to gather and do some good for Christchurch.

It is very important that people do not feel excluded from this, so if any bar or venue anywhere in the country wants to join in they are to proceed with our blessing. ‘Our group’ means the brewing community i.e. SOBA, BGNZ, beer lovers, brewers - anyone connected to our industry in any country."

The earthquake in Christchurch has brought us closer together as a nation; we all want to do something to assist those suffering in the Garden City. For those who love craft beer now’s your chance.”

Latest updates at http://www.soba.org.nz/Home/tabid/39/vw/1/ItemID/44/Default.aspx