The Charlotte Outdoor Alliance is a collective of passionate outdoor enthusiasts looking to make a positive impact on our region. Since day one, several outdoor-focused businesses have been an integral part of COA’s success.

In fact, businesses like Blue Blaze Brewing, The Great Outdoor Provision Company, and Jesse Brown's have been the backbone of the entire Charlotte outdoor community. They sponsor our races and support our scout troops. They organize group hikes, collaborate with non-profits, and hold trail clean-up days.

And now, they need our help.

Like all small businesses, the COVID-19 crisis has devastated our local breweries and outdoor stores. With immediate challenges and an uncertain future, these businesses are doing everything they can to stay afloat.

There is no better community than Charlotte’s outdoor enthusiasts. And together, we can make a huge difference.

Here are some ways you can tag in to support the businesses that have supported us for so long, including a very special collaboration with our friends at Blue Blaze Brewing.

Buy a gift card

Cash flow is king for small businesses right now and buying gift cards is one of the best ways you can help keep them afloat.

Consider it pre-buying your next round of beers or trail running shoes. Or start your holiday shopping early. Or, if you have the means, buy a gift card for an overworked healthcare professional or grocery store clerk.

Get curbside service

Even in this challenging time, these small businesses are finding new ways to serve their communities.

Now, you can pick up your purchases curb-side from several outdoor door stores and breweries. No need to get out of your car.

Buy a growler

Since no one is pouring draft pints right now, breweries are sitting on a large stock of kegged craft beer. It would have been sold in their taproom or to local bars and restaurants.

Why not get a growler and enjoy your favorite draft beer at home?

A standard growler holds four, 16-ounce beers. Perfect for a night of social distancing.

Spread the word

Here is where your real power lies.

Follow your favorite breweries and outdoor stores on their social media accounts. Actually, follow all of them — it’s free. Share their posts. Comment so they get more visibility. And remind your network that they can help too.

A special offer

Earlier this year, our partner, Recover Brands, graciously donated shirts to help us raise money for our non-profit organization. While we believe in our mission to create a unified voice for Charlotte’s outdoor community, these unprecedented times have created a more immediate need.

So in partnership with Recover Brands, we have donated our shirts to be sold by Blue Blaze brewing. They’re being offered along with a $25 Blue Blaze gift card for beer to be used once they can open their doors again. Please consider buying the package to help keep their lights on and delicious beer in their kegs. Blue Blaze will deliver the package (along with any additional beer you want to buy now) or you can swing by and pick it up during available hours.

We're hoping this is successful so that we can explore other opportunities with our friends and partners to help them as well.

You can order the shirt and gift card for delivery or pickup here.

Have other ideas on how we can help support our breweries and outdoor stores?

Hit us up and let us know.