“It’s been really difficult,” said Paul Goulet. “We’ve been largely shut down throughout —  we haven’t fully opened since the pandemic hit. It’s been difficult having to feed the animals and care for the animals and provide for the staff who have been under the stresses everyone’s been under… it’s been trying but we’re finding our way — our path.”

Little Ray’s is known for its educational efforts teaching people about reptiles and other animals in schools and at community events so when Goulet noticed Little Ray’s was reaching the bottom of its financial reserve over the COVID-19 pandemic, he reached out to Broken Sticks’ Brewing owner, Stéphane Dicaire for help.

They quickly came up with an inspired craft beer that they named Little Ray’s Gator Ale.

“We were lucky enough to be surviving and thriving during a rough time and money wasn’t coming in for them,” Dicaire said. “So, we thought we could raise some money by creating a special beer just for them and give away $1 from every can sold directly to Little Ray’s nonprofit organization, and also by selling pints at our restaurants — which isn’t fully open because of COVID-19 restrictions — but $2.50 off every pint sold of that beer there goes to the organization.”

The special brew sold out within a week at $4 a can.

“I knew it would sell fast but it was unbelievable how many people that I haven’t even talked to in years were sending pictures to me on social media of a six pack of the beer,” Goulet recalled. “It is unbelievable. It’s an exceptional beer.”

“We try to support local as much as we can, and if we can help raise money for other businesses who are struggling during this time — it’s something we strive to do,” Dicaire added.

The majority of the expenses are used to take care of the animals and rescues who end up at the facilities, either in Ottawa or Hamilton, as well as maintaining the two spaces.

“For years we have been the last resort in the country for well over a thousand animals, and if we didn’t take them they’d face euthanasia,” Goulet said. “We’re trying to make sure where we can be fully operational as an organization and secure a financial future.”

With businesses across Ontario now asking for the product, the team had to brew up another batch.

“We brewed it again last week, so it should be out again in mid-April,” Dicaire said. “We will continue to brew it as long as people want it.”

Photo courtesy of Broken Stick Brewing Co.