A clever partnership between Derby’s Brunswick Brewery and the Seeing Dogs Alliance has raised £1,000 for the charity – and given the brewers the chance to name its next puppy.
The scheme was hatched up over a chat in The Brunswick between Liam Flynn Chairman of The Seeing Dogs Alliance, and the brewery’s Head Brewer James Salmon. Brunswick Brewery created a special beer to raise funds for the Seeing Dogs Alliance. The limited-edition Double Vision Ale debuted at the Brunswick Beer Festival, and went on to sell out across several Everard pubs in the East Midlands.
Following its popularity, a second batch was created, totalling to over 92 barrels and 6,256 pints being enjoyed across pubs in the East Midlands. 
The job of naming the next Seeing Dogs puppy will be given to staff of the brewery’s flagship pub, The Brunwick, who donated some of their own tips to the charity.
Liam Flynn, Chairman of Seeing Dogs Alliance, said: “That first conversation with James was a lightbulb moment for us. It’s an awesome example of how partnering with local businesses can really make a positive impact on our fundraising.
“We are a small charity that wants to be able to train more Seeing dogs and get them into Service. The impact of Covid on the training of enough dogs to support the needs of people like me, living and working independently and positively with the support of a dog, has been monumental. There is a huge gap, and we are committed to helping, but need more funds to support this work.
“We can’t thank Brunswick Brewery and all their teams in the pubs that support our fundraising efforts enough. If there are other business looking for a charity to support that really makes an impact at a local level, please get in touch with us.”
James Salmon added: “Working with Liam and his team of trustees is always a pleasure, they bring laughter and great conversations into our pub whenever they meet and support SDA’s work is the least we can do to provide an opportunity for our clients and pub teams to support great people.
“The Seeing Dogs Alliance is a worthy national charity working at a local level and we are delighted to help them. We are looking forward to choosing the name of our puppy in due course.”
