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Tempe-based dispensary gifts cash to local families in need

Posted 12/23/22

In keeping with its commitment to give back to the communities it serves, Tempe-based Mint Cannabis is making the holidays a bit brighter for local families who can benefit from a little boost. 

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Community

Tempe-based dispensary gifts cash to local families in need

Posted

In keeping with its commitment to give back to the communities it serves, Tempe-based Mint Cannabis is making the holidays a bit brighter for local families who can benefit from a little boost. 

From Dec. 20 to 22, Mint Cannabis CEO Eivan Shahara and COO Raul Molina spread holiday cheer to deserving local families who could use a little extra joy this year. Each family that received a surprise visit also received $1,000 in cash, according to a news release from the company. 

This third-annual “Adopt-a-Family” effort is near and dear to Shahara and Molina. Each of their families experienced tough times when they were growing up, so they have made it their mission to give back whenever the opportunity arises. In addition to the countless hours that Mint employees volunteer in their local communities, the Mint has donated more than $3 million locally to those in need since its founding in 2017.            

On Tuesday, Dec. 20, the Mint surprised Ashley, a mother who is currently living with her two young children out of a Motel 6 hotel room in Tempe. Her son and daughter are autistic.  Her six-year-old son is non-verbal and requires intensive care. Her daughter will turn four just after Christmas. Ashley recently relocated back to Arizona to flee a domestic violence situation. She is working around the clock to pay the $100 a day hotel rate. She has nothing left over once that is paid. She has storage and phone bills to pay as well and did not have the means to provide Christmas this year to her children. 

The Mint team also surprised Kristina, a hardworking single mother in Laveen who is raising nine amazing kids – three girls and six boys. She has raised them all on her own while working a job to make ends meet. With inflation skyrocketing, it makes things harder for her to put food on the table let alone have a nice holiday with her children. Kristina has always done the best she can with what she has for her kids and even though it is not much, it is always enough. 

On Wednesday, Dec. 21, the Mint surprised Mario, a husband in Mesa who is experiencing severe health issues related to his kidneys. He is a deejay by trade who suddenly started experiencing swelling and other health issues. This led doctors to discover that Mario is experiencing kidney failure. He has been placed on dialysis and has been in and out of the hospital for the last almost two years. Due to his condition, he is now unable to work. Unfortunately, he does not have health insurance and is surviving with the help of friends and family.  

On Thursday, Dec. 22, the Mint visited Marisol, a hardworking, single mother in west Phoenix with three girls – a 14-year-old, a 6-year-old, and a 1-year-old. Her family is strong, leans on one another, and finds happiness in the little things in life along with their love of each other.