Many families and individuals find themselves financially strapped during the holidays, but for those who encounter unexpected hurdles, the season can be more stressful than joyous. When you add in the tightening economy, elimination of some federal assistance programs, and the increased costs of housing, groceries, energy, and more, the holidays seem like they are even more stressful this year as compared to previous years.
That’s why, in keeping with its commitment to give back to the communities it serves, Mint Cannabis made the holidays a bit brighter for local families in need. From Tuesday, Dec. 20 through Thursday, Dec. 22, Mint Cannabis CEO Eivan Shahara and COO Raul Molina channeled a certain jolly old elf by spreading holiday cheer to deserving local families who needed a little boost this holiday season. They surprised four unsuspecting nominees with
$1,000 each to brighten their holidays and ease their financial stress.
On Tuesday, Dec. 20, the Mint team surprised Ashley, a mother who is 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 prior to the Mint’s surprise visit.
On Dec. 20, the Mint team also surprised Kristina, a hardworking single mother in Laveen who is raising nine 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 has made 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. She said that 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 found out he had other serious health issues, including diabetes and hypertension, after getting COVID-19 and pneumonia. This led doctors to discover that Mario is experiencing kidney failure. He is now on dialysis three times a week for four hours each day and needs a kidney transplant. Due to his condition, Mario 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 surprised 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.
The Mint’s 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.
