Ocean Reach Brewing and the Phillip Island Winery have raised $38,283 in their annual fundraiser for Free 3D Hands.

Phillip Island’s charity success story, Free 3D Hands creates 3D printed hands and assistive devices for individuals worldwide, provided free of charge to those in need. 

Founder and engineer Mat Bowtell shares his designs under an open-source license, enabling others to create and repair their own devices.

This year’s fundraiser will contribute to the development of the latest assistive device, the Kinetic arm.

Ocean Reach Brewing founder and head brewer, Simon Bismire said this year’s fundraiser topped last year’s by more than $16,000.

“Thanks to the collaboration of sponsors, in-kind sponsors, and supporters, we managed to raise an impressive $38,283.93, surpassing last year's efforts of $22,164.40,” said Simon.

Mat Bowtell said supporters were an integral part of their mission to make assistive technology accessible to people worldwide. 

“This was so much more than just a fundraiser for us,” Mat said. 

“Ocean Reach and the Phillip Island Winery have showcased how businesses can forge meaningful connections with local charities, thereby creating a positive impact on the broader community.”

The main fundraiser saw the release of Kinetic Hazy IPA in March, with all profits from the beer going to Free 3D Hands. 

The major fundraiser event – and the launch of the beer – was held at the Phillip Island Winery in March, which received support from numerous businesses on Phillip Island, who donated items and services for auctions and raffles.

Industry sponsors helped Ocean Reach with the costs involved in the production, packaging, distribution, and promotion of the beer. 

Ocean Reach Brewing intends to again fundraise in 2024, to support individuals in need of free assistive devices.