Mana Ohana means family and strength, and it’s the inspiration for SYC Brewing’s new limited beer and Anti-Social Running Club’s virtual charity run.
The Hlewka family are frequent customers of SYC Brewing, and their world turned upside down when their five year-old daughter Samanta was diagnosed with cancer. The family stayed strong through numerous chemo treatments, surgeries and appointments, and preserved.
“I was inspired by that story,” says Michael Ng, organizer of Anti-Social Running Club and community partnership coordinator for SYC Brewing. “I just kind of wanted to make it bigger, and do a challenge.”
In honour of the Hlewka family, SYC Brewing created the Mana Ohana Hazy Pale Ale with proceeds going to the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation. Anti-Social Running Club is joining the effort with the Mana Ohana Run. Take part in a virtual 10K, half marathon (21.2K) or full marathon (42.4K) from March 11 to 18.
“The whole fun around the idea is to dress in Hawaiian-type theme colours,”says Ng. “We want to bring tropical vibes to Edmonton. It’s been kind of cold and we’re just kind of sick of it. Hopefully by March 11 we’re approaching nice weather, and if not then we’ll just make it the vibe.”
Participants receive a four-pack of Mana Ohana Hazy Pale Ale or SYC Brewing’s non-alcoholic Phantom Buzz. They’ll also receive a Mana Ohana long sleeve tee, a three-pack of Mana Ohana button pins, and Anti-Social Running Club and SYC stickers.
Registration for the Mana Ohana Run is open until March 10 and costs $55 with a portion of the proceeds going to the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation. Race week is from March 11 to 18, and can be done at your own pace. “There’s no race rules,” says Ng.
