Tipping your bartender is considered good form when you're bellied up to the bar, but with bars across the nation closed for business, those workers are feeling financially shaken.
To help raise funds for a new support program, the Canadian Professional Bartenders Association has launched a campaign they are calling Canada's Biggest Tip Jar. They're inviting the public to donate to their Relief Measures Fund, which is an application-accessed financial aid program available to members.
The Relief Fund dispenses aid to member applicants who are out of work and need extra help covering bills, and was launched in tandem with other CPBA programs that are connecting members in need with other forms of support, like food delivery and discounts, or access to information.
"While we may not be able to get out and support our local bars and restaurants right now, we can still tip," say organizers of the Tip Jar on GoFundMe.
To get things going, Fireball Whisky has started off the tip jar with a $45,000 donation, and will match every donation made to up to $75,000. Currently the fund stands at about $2700 donated towards their $30,000 goal.
Organizers acknowledge that though our favourite bartenders aren't pouring our drinks right now at our local watering holes, many Canadians are still hoisting cocktails while at home, like during Zoom-connected Happy Hours. In B.C., with restaurants able to sell bottled and canned alcohol, and also kits of mixers and garnish for some DIY action, many imbibers are still enjoying the fruits - and herbs, and veggies - of a bartender's labour.
"While you are enjoying your virtual cocktails, please donate what you would usually tip," urges the CPBA.
Donate via the GoFundMe page here.
