At Jack Black, we believe in supporting the causes that matter to our community. This month, we're excited to feature Volunteer Wildfire Services (VWS) as part of our Pint for a Purpose initiative. To bring you closer to the heart of this incredible organization, we're sharing the story of Aiden - a member of our Jack Black family who has dedicated himself to VWS for the past year.

Aiden's journey with VWS started when he decided to channel his passion for nature and community service into something more impactful. Since then, he has been on the front lines, working tirelessly to protect our natural landscapes from the devastating effects of wildfires. But Aiden's story is more than just firefighting - it's about the camaraderie, the challenges, and the personal growth that comes with being part of a team that makes a real difference.

What inspired you to start volunteering with VWS?

Fire-fighting is an intense duty, and it tests both your mental & physical strength in ways that my day-to-day life was not testing me. Through seeking a new fitness journey too, firefighting stuck out to me, which lead me to VWS.

Firefighting has provided me, not only with the opportunity to give back to the community, but to also take extra care of mother nature.

Can you tell us about a particularly memorable experience you’ve had while working with VWS?

Honestly, all 5 fires I have been to in the past season have been memorable, but the Simon’s Town fire being my first fire without a doubt was the most special.

The feeling of attacking my first flame, it was exhilarating. Not worrying about anything else, only putting this fire out with your team while, ensuring yourself and the team are safe.

Getting my brand new bright yellow jacket covered in ash was a great moment, only then, it hit me that I am a firefighter.

How has your work with VWS impacted your life and your role here at Jack Black?

Working on the line with my VWS family has taught me so many lessons, whether it’s a call out or a standby, you are always learning something new.

You learn how to work as a team with one common objective, putting the flame out while ensuring yourself and the team are safe.

Leadership development: Witnessing how we problem solve on the fire-line and being put in situations where you have to lead a specific task, has taught me how to act quick on my feet and believe in myself as there really is not much time to doubt yourself on the fire-line.  

Teamwork, leadership and problem-solving are all aspects that have assisted me in life, as well as with work. In my role at JB, I am tasked with problems daily, and learning basic practical skills in problem-solving through VWS has assisted me in my role. Being an active VWS member requires you to lead by an example for new recruits, which has helped accelerate the leadership role within me needed for my evolving role at JB.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about volunteering with VWS?

“Just Do It” haha yeh, as Nike says it.

Honestly, just go for it. I live by this saying, “rather regret the things you did than the things you didn’t do”. Meaning rather try it, instead of not trying and never knowing what could of come from it.

VWS is super special to me, and I have grown in many aspects within the one season I have been here.

Go ahead, give it a try

This month, when you visit the Jack Black Taproom, you can be a part of this incredible cause. Ask behind the bar for more details, and remember - every pint counts when you’re supporting Pint for a Purpose. Together, we can make a difference.