PRESS RELEASE
DENVER (April 27, 2020)—Cannabis is essential. Essential as a provider of medicine, jobs, recreation, and in the best cases, equity and access. And as an essential sector it is imperative that the industry collectively support community need in the midst of the current COVID-19 pandemic.
As of 4/20, CDG Gives has raised nearly $7,500 from a handful of leading companies and inspired individuals. The campaign will be open through May 31 as the organization aims to reach a goal of $15,000.
“We are all struggling, but the unhoused, the hungry and front line workers will need our support today and months from now,” said Courtney Mathis, CEO of CDG. “And despite not yet qualifying for any relief dollars, we felt, as neighbors, small businesses, and community members, it was our opportunity to contribute. We knew many folks in our sector that would want to too.”
Even in the midst of an international pandemic, many nonprofits were still weary to accept cannabis dollars. However, through relationship development, trust and transparency, CDG has identified three community treasures, Urban Peak, MetroCaring and Friends In Weed, that are having a measurable impact on the communities most devastated by COVID 19: the unhoused, the hungry, and our frontline workers at dispensaries and restaurants.
“Many cannabis business owners entered this industry because they wanted to help others. They are providing medicine to patients, growing sustainable hemp crops, creating good jobs, and actively benefiting their communities,” said Brian Vicente, Founding Partner, Vicente Sederberg, LLC. “Vicente Sederberg LLP is proud to support this initiative, which is bringing cannabis businesses, consumers, and others together to make an even larger positive impact during this trying time.”
“CDG has deep connections with the community, and we knew that we could count on them to get resources to the community services that would make the most out of them for the most needed constituencies,” said Lisa Farrimond-Gee of Lightshade Labs.
“Times are tough. Many of us are overwhelmed and many of us are finding moments of gratitude. The good news is, we are in this together and each finding our own way to reach out and offer support,” Mathis continued. “Every little bit helps, and any amount of participation is welcome – even just a share on social media.”
Partners of the Cannabis Doing Good Giving Initiative, include Lightshade, University of Denver, Vicente Sederberg, Starbuds,Mason Jar Event Group, Ok Ok Creative, Veritas, 1906, Cookies, Olio, Maverick Public Relations, kindColorado and PufCreativ.
For more information or to make a donation, please visit https://cannabisdoinggood.com/cdg-gives/.
To schedule an interview, contact Shawna McGregor at [email protected] or 917-971-7852.
Cannabis Doing Good: Purpose-Driven, Community-Focused
Cannabis Doing Good is a platform to create opportunities for the cannabis industry and nonprofit communities to collaborate, to inspire new ways of people, planet and business engagement, and to showcase companies doing good. For more information, visit www.cannabisdoinggood.com. Continue the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.