HOW IT STARTED
Brewer Jeffrey Craig of Walkerville Brewery had a passion for craft beer. When he was diagnosed with cancer in 2016 he did not let it stop him from doing what he loved. Using his science background and support from friends at Craft Heads Brewing Company and Walkerville Brewery, he collaborated on a beer featuring dandelions as a main ingredient to help in the fight against cancer.
“I was diagnosed with Esophageal Cancer in late September, and immediately went to the brewery to resign from my position. Walkerville refused to accept my resignation, and instead insisted I take an indefinite leave, telling me to come back whenever I felt ready. The brewing community is rather small, and news of my diagnosis and indefinite leave travelled fast.
Bryan Datoc, owner of Craft Heads Brewing Company, knew that like most brewers, brewing was my hobby first and career second. He quickly reached out to me and let me know I was welcome in his brewhouse whenever I felt the itch to brew again. It did not take long for the itch to come, and from this the idea of a collaboration brew was born.
The generosity shown by both Walkerville Brewery and Craft Head Brewing Company has been staggering; I’m incredibly thankful and proud to be a part of the wonderful brewing community in Windsor. I’m beyond excited for the release of the Fine n’ Dandy saison, I just hope people like it enough to order a second… for charity.”
COMMUNITY IMPACT
Fine n' Dandy project continues to be an annual traditional! To date, we have raised a grand total of $23,163.00 towards the Canadian Cancer Society and Windsor Cancer Foundation. We thank all of our loyal customers and community for their continual support year after year!
HOW TO
SUPPORT
During the month of April you can support by purchasing:
Fine N’ Dandy Dandelion Infused Unfiltered Pils at Walkerville Brewery
Purchase and represent a Fine N’ Dandy t-shirt
Proceeds from all Fine N’ Dandy beer & t-shirt purchases From walkerville brewery will be donated to cancer research and support programs.
The 2024 recipient is the Windsor Cancer Foundation.
NEW FOR 2024
In our 8th year of the Fine N Dandy Project, we are thrilled to have other local breweries join in to brew their own Fine N Dandy beer for a good cause! Proceeds will benefit various charities throughout Windsor/Essex.
Please check out and support the following participating breweries:
Chapter Two Brewing Company
Craft Heads Brewing Company
Jake’s Windsor Brew
Rose City Beer Works
Top Dog Brewing Company
Why Dandelions for Daffodil Month?
Daffodils may be a great symbol of hope for the cure for cancer, but promising research is shedding light on the remarkable healing properties of dandelions. Dandelions, known to botanists as Taraxacum officinale, offer a wide range of health benefits- including anticarcinogenic activity. Phytochemicals found in dandelions not only gives them their anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer actions, but also provides delightfully floral and bitter tastes- perfect for a refreshing beer!
“Although dandelions are often dismissed as boring weeds, they are far from ordinary. Dandelions can be used to treat edema, support liver and gall bladder health, improve digestion, and may be used as part of an adjunctive cancer care treatment protocol.
Traditionally, dandelion root has been known to possess curative properties, and has been used as support for treating cancer. Dandelion preparations can be used to help with digestive troubles, such as poor appetite and abdominal pain, and also to support liver health while undergoing conventional treatments. In recent studies at our very own University of Windsor, Dandelion root extract has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticarcinogenic activity. Particularly for chemoresistant and cancers with poor prognosis, dandelion is becoming an exciting treatment option by demonstrating targeted programmed cell death to cancer cells without toxicity to healthy human cells. Although still in the in vitro stage, Taraxacum is showing encouraging results that it may be used to fill a critical need for an effective, non-toxic, and less expensive treatment alternative.”
The Future of Fine N’ Dandy
The Fine N’ Dandy Project is set to be an annual initiative! It was with heavy hearts that we said “Good Bye” to our dear friend and colleague, Jeffrey, on August 7, 2017. In his honor, we will continue to keep the tradition alive and further the efforts to fight against cancer.