A Port Coquitlam recreational pot shop played a big part in a recent campaign to raise money for humanitarian efforts in Ukraine.
Customers to the BC Cannabis Store on Nicola Avenue contributed a total of $5,474 to the cause between Feb. 28 and April 24.
That was one of the highest raised among its sister stores across the province — as well as BC Liquor Stores — in a goal to bring in more than $1 million for the Canadian Red Cross' Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal.
The final count was $1,081,272.98 raised in a two-month span.
Local residents' donations are earmarked for emergency preparedness, recovery and "other critical humanitarian activities" for the people of Ukraine, especially those displaced from the Russian invasion.
"The Red Cross is grateful for the tremendous outpouring of support and generosity provided by British Columbians for the Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal, which will assist individuals and families impacted by the heartbreaking conflict in Ukraine," said Pat Quealey, Canadian Red Cross vice-president for B.C. and Yukon, in a news release today (May 18).
"These donations will help the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement provide humanitarian assistance, such as vital medical supplies, food, water, clothing, shelter, hygiene items, heating fuel, psycho-social support and other urgent items for those in need."
Port Coquitlam's location (#7045) in the Dominion Triangle shopping mall (109-985 Nicola Ave.) collected the third-most funds behind Kamloops ($7,107) and Cranbrook ($5,783).
Meanwhile, a BC Liquor Store in Langley raised $35,116 for the initiative — the highest among the distribution branch's stores.
The release further states the money adds to the $1 million the provincial government donated to the Canadian Red Cross on Feb. 25 in supporting the people of Ukraine.
For more information on the Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal, you can visit the Red Cross' website.
