Sarah Vasega
Director of Retail Operations
Aloha Green Apothecary
Honolulu, HI
Having the opportunity to give back to the local community is one of the most rewarding parts of my job. Through these trying and uncertain times, we have not lost sight of opportunities to lend a hand to those in need. Being somewhat isolated from the rest of the world, Hawaii is truly a place where you can feel a sense of community. We take great pride in positively impacting the lives of those who share our island home. Shedding light on the charitable contributions of cannabis licensees is a chance to uplift us all and set a good example for those to come.
Since shortly after our opening, we have partnered with local nonprofits to raise funds and awareness for their causes. We have donated to AccesSurf, Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawaii, Helping Hands Hawaii, Ronald McDonald House Charities and the Officers Enriquez & Kalama Memorial Fund to name a few.
Patients who visit our locations can find donation boxes at each register for a chance to get involved. This has been a great way to engage our patients while spreading awareness. Once the collection periods have ended, Aloha Green Apothecary matches the total donations dollar for dollar. As our organization and patient base have grown, so has the amount we are able to donate. Our first donation was a modest $500 and our latest was more than $6,000. We hope to see the donations to continue to grow and have a meaningful impact on the human lives they benefit.
It’s been said that different times call for different measures. As the COVID-19 pandemic put a strain on our global community, we decided to aim our fundraising efforts at a cause relevant to the times. Hawaii Meals on Wheels, like its national partners, delivers cooked meals to the elderly and disabled citizens who need it most. We found this cause to be a top priority during a time when many of those it helps are even more limited in the basic necessity of obtaining meals.
I am proud to say that we recently wrapped up the donations for Hawaii Meals on Wheels and were able to donate $6,354 to the cause. All of this would not be possible without the support of continually generous patients and staff who donate time and time again. Looking forward, we hope to continue to support our community in new and relevant ways.