The Sailor Jerry Long Haul Hits the Road in Support of Bikers for Autism

Sailor Jerry teams up with Bikers for Autism to rip across Canada on a 15-day fundraising motorcycle tour

TORONTO, August 1, 2014 /CNW/ - You'll hear us before you see us. Sailor Jerry kicks off the Sailor Jerry Long Haul, hitting towns across Canada to raise awareness and funds for their favourite two-wheeled charity Bikers for Autism (BFA). The crew will begin the 15-day ride in Vancouver on August 7 and wrap up in St. John's on August 21, 2014. They will stop in major cities along the way, rallying Canadians to participate and donate money and help fund national programs that service families affected by autism.

James Baker founded BFA in 2012 after witnessing a family member's challenges in raising a son diagnosed with a high functioning form of Autism Spectrum Disorder. "I quickly noticed that, like the motorcycle community, the families touched by autism also make up a close-knit community," said Baker. "I decided to bring the two together to help raise awareness and funds for the cause. I get to do what I love while helping others," he added.

"When I first met James, I could immediately see that he lives life outside the lines," said Arron Thomas, Brand Ambassador for Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum.  "I was inspired by his independent approach to raising money and awareness for a good cause.  Sailor Jerry and BFA share a lot of the same old school values, which is why this partnership makes sense for both of us."

In cities coast to coast, Sailor Jerry will host events that include everything from live music, BBQ's, pop-up barbershops and, of course, tattooing in the classic Norman Collins style. Proceeds from the events will go directly to BFA. 

Canadians can participate in three ways:

• Join the ride by signing up at www.sailorjerrylonghaul.com
• Attend events in their town (full details available on the Sailor Jerry Facebook page or at  www.sailorjerrylonghaul.com)
• Donate online at: www.bikersforautism.com

Roadmap for the Sailor Jerry Long Haul Events:

August 7: Vancouver	August 15: Toronto, ON
August 8: Canmore, AB	August 16: Ottawa, ON (Pit Stop)
August 9: Regina, SK	August 16: Montreal, QC
August 10: Winnipeg, MB	August 18: Halifax, NS
August 11: Thunder Bay, ON	August 21: Cape Spear, NL

All Sailor Jerry Long Haul participants are required to sign a waiver confirming they are of legal drinking age and they will not consume alcohol prior to any departure or while actively riding coast to coast.

For more information on event dates and locations, please visit: www.sailorjerrylonghaul.com or www.facebook.com/sailorjerry

About William Grant & Sons

• William Grant & Sons Ltd: William Grant & Sons is an independent family-owned distiller founded by William Grant in 1886 and today still controlled by the fifth generation of his family.  The Company distills some of the world's leading brands of Scotch whisky, including the world's favourite and most awarded single malt Glenfiddich^®, the handcrafted range of The Balvenie^® single malts and one of the world's best loved blended Scotches, Grant's^®, as well as selected other spirits, including Gibson's Finest® Canadian Whisky, Hendrick's^® Gin, Sailor Jerry^® Spiced Rum and, most recently, Tullamore Dew® Irish Whiskey. Represented by PMA Canada Ltd.

Click on www.williamgrant.com for more information on the Company and its brands and on www.pmacanada.com for more information about the brands available in Canada through PMA Canada Ltd.

About Bikers For Autism
James Baker launched the Bikers for Autism (BFA) Society in 2012. BFA is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to raising public awareness funds to support the families affected by autism.  In fall 2014, BFA aims to launch a national support grants program with a focus on three areas: an educational iPad program, recreational programs in support of "Surfs Up Event" Surf Camp and a music therapy program in collaboration with MusicHeals.ca an Pacific Autism Family Centre. For more information go to www.bikersforautism.com.

Image with caption: "Sailor Jerry (CNW Group/Sailor Jerry)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140801_C1641_PHOTO_EN_4573.jpg

SOURCE: Sailor Jerry

For further information: MEDIA CONTACT: Amanda Gun-Munro, MSLGROUP, T: 416.847.1345, Email: [email protected]