For Julie Sabourin
After losing her long battle against breast cancer, Julie Sabourin’s memory will forever be honoured through her brother’s new craft beer, now being sold at his establishment, the Brasserie Étienne Brûlé Brewery. For the first 1,000 litres sold, he will give a portion of the beer’s earnings to the group Friends For Life, who will donate the money toward the Canadian Cancer Society. Pictured here, Brasserie Étienne Brûlé Brewery owner Richard Menard, his wife Liette Darveau (left) and Friends For Life founder Marie Claire Ivanski. Glover photo

EMBRUN – The only thing harder than fighting a battle with cancer is eventually losing after a long bout. After a long seven-year battle with breast cancer, Julie Sabourin’s health took a turn for the worse and she lost her fight this past July 15 at the age of 47. Wanting to honour her memory, Sabourin’s brother, Richard Menard, owner of the Brasserie Étienne Brûlé Brewery, created a special craft brew called La Combattante to sell in memory of her fight.

Menard unveiled his new creation Wed., Nov. 13 at his establishment, letting all his patrons get a free taste. He also invited the Friends For Life group to announce that a portion of every bottle and drink sold will be donated to them; who in turn will donate the money to the Canadian Cancer Society.

“For every beer that’s going to be drank here, we’re going to [give] one dollar, and for the bottle, we’ll give 25 cents,” said Menard to the crowd of people who came out for the reveal. “I very much appreciate [everyone] coming out tonight.”

The Brasserie Étienne Brûlé Brewery will continue to give portions of La Combattante to Friends For Life for the first 1,000 litres they sell. The special drink is now available for purchase at $3.95 plus tax per bottle and $10.95 from the tap.