In a heartwarming gesture of community support, House of Dank, a renowned cannabis retailer, successfully conducted its annual Thanksgiving Turkey Drive this past Tuesday, November 21st, at six of its Michigan locations. The initiative was aimed at distributing free turkeys to families and individuals in need, with doors opening early at each participating House of Dank location and turkeys available while supplies lasted.
Reflecting on the success of the previous year, the 2022 Turkey Drive had notably provided Thanksgiving turkeys to hundreds of Detroit residents, ensuring they had a festive meal for the holiday. This year's event followed in those charitable footsteps, with approximately 50 turkeys being available at each retail location on a first-come, first-served basis, emphasizing that no purchase was necessary to receive a turkey.
Marvin Jamo, the owner of House of Dank, expressed his enthusiasm about the event, highlighting it as a significant tradition for giving back to the communities where the company has its roots and to the newer communities they have expanded into over the years.
The drive welcomed residents from Detroit, Metro Detroit, River Rouge, Lapeer, Saginaw, Bay City, Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor, Monroe, Ohio, and surrounding cities to benefit from the free turkeys, showcasing House of Dank's commitment to reaching a broad segment of the community.
Moreover, this event set the stage for House of Dank's December pledge, where the company will match all canned food and non-perishable food item donations made between November 24th and December 20th at each H.O.D. location. This initiative is part of their ongoing efforts to support local beneficiaries and assist individuals facing food insecurities, especially during the holiday season.
Quality Roots, a Metro Detroit Cannabis Dispensary and recipient of Metro Times Best Of 2023, is once again demonstrating its commitment to community enrichment with the launch of this year's "Spark Joy, Share Toys" drive. This initiative follows the remarkable success of last year's Winter Donation Drive and aims to make an even greater impact in 2023. Teaming up with Toyology and Share Detroit, Quality Roots is focused on brightening the holiday season for children facing difficult circumstances.
The "Spark Joy, Share Toys" campaign is more than just a toy collection; it's about creating unforgettable moments and ensuring that every child experiences the joy of receiving a special gift. This year, the drive supports two notable organizations: A Girl Like Me, which empowers young girls by providing resources and support to build confidence and resilience, and The Blood Cancer Foundation of Michigan, dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by blood cancers through assistance, research, and hope.
Participation in the Giving Tuesday event is straightforward. Community members are invited to drop off new, unwrapped toys at any Quality Roots location. Every type of toy, from board games and stuffed animals to action figures, is welcomed, with each donation contributing to the holiday spirit. Moreover, for each toy donated, Toyology will match with another, doubling the impact.
The campaign, aligned with the global Giving Tuesday movement, will run until November 28th. In an exciting twist, Quality Roots is offering an additional incentive: each toy donated is an entry to win a free Quality Roots ounce, adding a fun element for participants while fostering a spirit of generosity.
This initiative is open to everyone, not just cannabis consumers. Donations can be made at the following Quality Roots locations:
Quality Roots invites the community to join in this heartwarming effort, making a significant difference in the lives of children and adding a touch of magic to their holiday season.
Light'N Up Cannabis Company, a veteran-owned business in Flint, Michigan, recently marked the success of its third annual Thanksgiving turkey giveaway. Demonstrating its commitment to the community, the company distributed over 1,200 turkeys to mid-Michiganders, a significant increase from the previous year.
This year's event saw an impressive turnout, with the company recalling that last year, 400 people were waiting outside the door before the opening. "Since we are able to do what we love, why don't we give back to our community?" remarked Kyle Cohee, one of the owners of Light'N Up Cannabis Co. "This thing gained wheels, and it's been crazy."
The giveaway took place at the store's location at 4184 Pier North Boulevard in Flint, on Saturday, November 18th, from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. — or until all the turkeys were claimed. The company highlighted its effort to extend the reach of their generosity beyond individuals, with 100 of the turkeys given directly to Vet Life, a local nonprofit organization, and 20 turkeys donated to North End Soup Kitchen and several other Flint area churches and organizations.
Reflecting on the importance of the event in the community, Cohee said, "We've been through some tough times here in Flint, and people deserve every single break we can provide. Giving them the central part of a Thanksgiving meal is our honor and our way of thanking the people of Flint for supporting our store."
The event was graced by the presence of Stephen Cochran, a country music artist and veteran advocate, along with Flint native and retired NFL wide receiver Andre Rison and retired Detroit Lions guard Rob Sims.
Light'N Up Cannabis Co. maintained a policy requiring each turkey recipient to be at least 21 years old, sign a liability waiver, and provide an email or texting address. Cohee's optimism about the event's future was evident as he confirmed, "Oh, yeah- we're going to do this every year. We're committed."
In the rapidly evolving landscape of Michigan's cannabis market, Puff Cannabis Company has emerged as a notable player, not only for its high-quality cannabis products but also for its deep commitment to community engagement. Founded and led by Justin Elias, Puff Cannabis Company has, in a span of just four years, expanded its footprint to 12 dispensary locations across Michigan, with plans for further expansion in 2024.
Justin Elias, the Founder and President of Puff Cannabis Company, articulates his vision with a clear sense of purpose and passion. "From the outset, our goal has been twofold: to provide top-notch cannabis products and to cultivate a team that is both knowledgeable and focused on our customers," Elias stated. This dual focus on quality products and customer service has been a cornerstone of the company's rapid growth and success.
As the Thanksgiving season approaches, Puff Cannabis Company is demonstrating its commitment to the communities it serves in a tangible and impactful way. In an initiative that transcends mere business operations, the company has announced that it will be giving away over 2,500 turkeys to those in need. This generous act is not limited to their customers but extends to anyone in need within their community. This initiative is a clear reflection of the company's ethos of giving back to the society that supports them.
With dispensaries located in key areas including Madison Heights, Utica, Bay City, Hamtramck, Traverse City, Oscoda, Sturgis, River Rouge, Kalamazoo, and Monroe, Puff Cannabis is not just expanding its business footprint; it is also deepening its community roots. This approach of growing alongside the community is a testament to the company's understanding of its role as a corporate citizen.
Reflecting on his personal experiences, Elias shared his thoughts on the significance of the Thanksgiving holiday. "Thanksgiving is a time for families to come together and celebrate. It's also a time to remember those less fortunate," he remarked. This sentiment is deeply ingrained in the company's philosophy and is evident in their community-focused initiatives.
Puff Cannabis Company's approach to business in Michigan's cannabis industry sets a benchmark for others. It's not just about being a successful business but also about being a responsible and contributing member of the community. As the company continues to grow and expand, its commitment to quality products and community support remains unwavering, making it a distinguished name in Michigan's cannabis sector.
As the chill of November descends upon Michigan, it brings with it a reminder of the plight of those without shelter. In alignment with Homeless Awareness Month, a heartwarming collaboration emerges in the state, spotlighting the power of community and corporate responsibility. Pleasantrees, a renowned name in the cannabis industry, announces its partnership with the Detroit-based nonprofit, Heart 2 Hart, marking a significant stride in their social responsibility endeavors.
This initiative arrives at a time when homelessness in Michigan is a pressing concern, with a reported 8,206 individuals without a home in 2022 and an anticipated increase in 2023. Pleasantrees, with its roots firmly planted in three dispensaries across metro Detroit, is well-placed to make a tangible difference in the local community.
Pleasantrees' gesture of goodwill harnesses the spirit of the holiday season. For every item sold from its apparel line, Pleasantrees Provisions, the company pledges to donate a piece of clothing to those in need. This simple yet impactful act of kindness underscores Pleasantrees' deep-seated commitment to social equity and improving lives affected by the pre-legalization era of cannabis. Their dedication to being a "Good Neighbor" forms the cornerstone of the company's 4th pillar in its Social Equity Plan.
The beneficiary of this campaign, Heart 2 Hart Detroit, is a beacon of hope for those experiencing homelessness. Their efforts extend beyond mere handouts; they provide essential items like food, clothing, toiletries, and more, uplifting individuals in crisis with a vision to end homelessness. Their remarkable track record in 2022, including the distribution of 13,200 meals, 5,200 pairs of socks, and 2,100 shirts and sweatshirts, is a testament to their unwavering commitment to the cause.
The president and founder of Heart 2 Hart, Larry Oleinick, has been a pivotal figure in the community's fight against homelessness. Recognized as a 2023 Michiganian of the Year by The Detroit News, Oleinick's leadership since the inception of Heart 2 Hart in 2012 has seen the organization expand its reach significantly, touching lives beyond its initial hub at Hart Plaza.
Pleasantrees' campaign transcends the boundaries of a traditional charitable initiative. Beyond the in-store apparel drive, the company also aims to fulfill other critical items on Heart 2 Hart's wishlist, demonstrating a holistic approach to giving back.
This partnership between Pleasantrees and Heart 2 Hart is more than a corporate gesture; it's a manifestation of the values that both entities stand for — compassion, community involvement, and a commitment to making a difference in the lives of the less fortunate. As Michigan grapples with the challenges of homelessness, initiatives like this offer a glimmer of hope and a blueprint for how businesses can leverage their resources and platforms for the greater good.
For more details on this initiative and Pleasantrees' dedication to social equity, visit enjoypleasantrees.com/about/social-equity.
While October is drawing to a close, we recently came across this commendable initiative and felt it was essential to spotlight the positive actions being taken in our community.
In observance of October's designation as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Michigan-based cannabis retailer, House of Dank (H.O.D.), is reaffirming their dedication to making a positive mark in the community. For the second consecutive year, H.O.D. is pledging to allocate a portion of their proceeds, collected every Wednesday from all nine retail locations, to bolster awareness initiatives of the month. Additionally, the full earnings from the sales of their custom H.O.D. x D.R.F. t-shirts will be channeled to the Dianna Rasha Foundation (D.R.F.).
The previous year witnessed H.O.D. making a noteworthy donation of $10,000 to the D.R.F. This is emblematic of their persistent endeavors to back institutions that focus on enhancing the lives of those grappling with breast cancer, with an emphasis on supporting young women navigating this daunting path.
Available both in-store and online across all H.O.D. locations, the H.O.D. x D.R.F. Faith Short Sleeve Tees are priced at $20. It's worth noting that every cent from the sale of these t-shirts will find its way to D.R.F.
Marvin Jamo, the proprietor of House of Dank, expressed, "The impact of breast cancer extends to countless women and their families. It's imperative that we consistently back foundations like the Dianna Rasha Foundation, which devote themselves to elevating the lives of those afflicted. Our donations are more than mere symbols of support; they represent hope and a tangible contribution to the wellbeing of myriad community members."
The Dianna Rasha Foundation stands out for its commitment to supporting young women currently undergoing breast cancer treatment. Their mission is to offer these women the resources to lead a quality life without the financial strains, infusing them with hope, love, and the zest for life.
To culminate their month-long drive, House of Dank is set to host an official check presentation ceremony to the D.R.F. The event, the date for which is yet to be finalized, will be held at their principal location on 8 Mile.
A Glimpse into the Dianna Rasha Foundation
Established as a tribute to Dianna, the Dianna Rasha Foundation aims to mirror the zeal with which Dianna led her life. Their primary goal is to furnish services that mitigate the psychological and emotional stresses faced by young women with breast cancer. By doing so, the foundation strives to ensure that these women can embrace their life with the same vigor and charm that Dianna embodied during her battle.
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