Blue Grouse Estate Winery’s Brunner family to match donations made in tasting room in April
[Duncan, BC] Blue Grouse Estate Winery appeals to the public to help those affected by the rains and flooding in Peru. People are encouraged to donate here: gofundme.com/DonationsForCrisisInPeru
An Island Winery with Strong Peruvian Ties
Peru is special to the owners of the winery. The Brunner family, who purchased the pioneering Island winery in 2012, call Peru home for half of the year. Cristina Brunner is Peruvian and has deep roots, with many family members there. Paul and Cristina’s daughter Paula, 22 and currently studying in Scotland, has established the online fundraiser with the goal of raising £5,000.
Paula, having experienced a mudslide or “hauyco” first hand, knows how terrifying the experience can be. She has leaped to help; saying “Peru is a poor country; it is my country, and from my heart I want to help.”
Effective immediately, and until the end of April, all Blue Grouse Estate Winery tasting room fees collected will be donated to the cause, and the Brunner family will match those donations.
A State of Emergency in Peru
Due to the effects of ‘El Niño’, which have been exacerbated by climate change, the country of Peru has seen some of the heaviest rains in its history since December. Over the last two weeks, flooding has intensified. Torrential rains have triggered destructive mudslides along the coast of Peru from north to south, and the death toll has reached at least 75 people. A state of emergency has been declared across half the country and at least 100,000 people have been left homeless.
The highly unusual rains follow a series of storms that have struck hard along Peru’s northern coast. This has damaged or destroyed more than 100,000 homes, collapsed 117 bridges and paralyzed countless roadways. The running water treatment systems are clogged, leaving people with limited access to safe drinking water.
The Brunner family’s GoFundMe proceeds will go directly towards helping families and communities affected by the floods to overcome the challenges they are currently facing in the areas of food, water and clothing.
About Blue Grouse Estate Winery
Family-owned, sustainably-farmed and award-winning, Blue Grouse Estate Winery is located in Duncan, in the heart of the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island. The winery and surrounding vineyards are a sought after destination not only for sampling the winery’s award-winning portfolio of wines, but also for events, picnics and family adventures.
The inspired winery facility was built with many sustainable elements including locally-sourced construction materials, the use of geothermal energy, onsite water collection and treatment, as well as other features that reduce energy consumption.
The Blue Grouse tasting room is open March and April from Wednesday to Sunday at 11am to 5pm. From May 1 to October 31 the winery opens full time, Monday to Sunday from 11am to 5pm. All other times by appointment only. For more information, visit bluegrouse.ca.
