'Changemaker' Alan talks to Elgin Rotary
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The Rotary Club of Elgin has enjoyed a virtual presentation from pioneering social entrepreneur Alan Mahon.
The craft beer maker and philanthropist told his online audience of his efforts to supply a million people in Malawi with clean drinking water, and explained his journey so far to that end.
Rotary Club member Graham Milne says: "Alan was born in Northern Ireland but attended Glasgow University.
"After graduating, he travelled to Nepal as a volunteer, experiencing for the first time the lack of clean water.
"He fell ill and suffered for three months before he could return home.
"After working in the international development sphere, he holidayed in Thailand, but again became infected with unclean water.
"These health experiences focussed Alan onto the charitable road.
"It's a road on which he has travelled far but still wants to go much further."
Four years ago Alan began to make his own brand of craft beer, Brewgooder, assisted by the go-ahead Ellon company Brewdog.
Now available in 3000 outlets across the UK, the profits are helping bring 60,000 people in Malawi access to life-changing clean water.
Graham continues: "Alan was also involved in persuading George Cluney, Leonardo DiCaprio and the Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai to come to Edinburgh to give talks and further the case for clean water for all.
"Back in 2017 Alan also 'invited' 9000 people to brave freezing conditions to sleep outside to highlight the need to end homelessness in Scotland.
"Not surprisingly, he was was recognised as one of the UK’s Top 100 Changemakers last year."
The vote of thanks was given by Neil Urquhart.
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