The drop-off locations currently include storefronts in Kelowna, Port Moody, Vernon, Vancouver, Lumby, Merrit, Nanaimo, Chemainus, Penticton, Langley and New Westminster. (Submitted photo/Royal Harvest Cannabis)

By Jennifer Olson

giving back

B.C. cannabis companies unite in a joint effort for warmth

Nov 29, 2023 | 9:13 PM

The common saying “strength is greater in numbers” rings true in the event of a select group of businesses working together to help others this holiday season.

Ten Canadian cannabis companies have joined forces and are leveraging their public reach to help those in need stay warm and dry during the upcoming winter. The 2023 Canna Winter Coat Drive has requested donations of gently used coats, jackets, sweaters, blankets and socks to be distributed in various B.C. locations that include Vancouver, Victoria and the Okanagan.

The clothing will be given to shelters for the unhoused, women’s shelters and other B.C. charities.

Together, the participating companies, which include craft cannabis producers, dispensaries, an educational institution, a nutrient company and an advocacy group, are using their combined social media reach of over 110,000 followers to request donations for the drive.

A callout for drop-off sites has resulted in several dispensaries province-wide offering locations for citizens to bring in their donations. The drop-off locations currently include storefronts in Kelowna, Port Moody, Vernon, Vancouver, Lumby, Merrit, Nanaimo, Chemainus, Penticton, Langley and New Westminster. The list continues to grow daily as more businesses volunteer to participate.

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“Some of us small cannabis companies want to make a difference – not just within the industry, but beyond,” explained Kevin Varner, owner of Royal Harvest Craft Cannabis, a production facility near Rock Creek, B.C.

Varner is one of the organizers of the coat drive.

“It’s amazing to see a combined effort from small-scale producers and other companies coming together to help make a difference and start to gain control of our industry.”

Details of the winter clothing drive. (Submitted image/Royal Harvest Cannabis)

Varner has been producing cannabis for 34 years and remembers a day where many cannabis producers were fueled and supported by a strong sense of community connection and involvement.

“I would like to think that I’m helping to bring the industry back to its community roots – how it was when I was young.” Varner stated.

“It feels promising to see the shift starting. It’s time we start making a real difference in the world.”

The Canna Winter Coat Drive is reminiscent of the “Jackets For Joints” coat drive where customers of Puff Cannabis dispensaries in various Michigan, U.S. locations were offered a jar of pre-rolled joints in exchange for a donation of a new children’s winter coat, to then be passed on to a family in need. This is another example of a cannabis company leveraging its customer base and online reach to help make a difference.

The initiative in B.C. goes beyond the cannabis sector to reflect a return to community roots and cooperation. The Canna Winter Coat Drive illustrates the impact that a small group of people can have when they work together to help others.

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info@westernbuzz.ca