January 31, 2021
Uncle Ike’s believes in the principles of corporate social citizenship; that it is our responsibility to know and serve our communities. Since the day we opened our doors it’s been our priority to find meaningful ways to give back. In addition to regular Community Cleanups throughout our neighborhoods, Ike’s proudly supports Seattle charities and nonprofit organizations by making direct contributions, organizing fundraisers, and volunteering time and energy.
“Unprecedented” is just one word that begins to describe this past year. As individuals and entire communities continue to face unfathomable challenges, it’s more important than ever for those who are able to come together and lend a helping hand.
Uncle Ike’s believes in equity and a fair criminal justice system. In June, Ike’s hosted a charitable fundraising campaign for the Northwest Community Bail Fund. NCBF is a nonprofit organization advocating for bail reform and working to minimize the harm of the cash bail system by paying bail for people who would otherwise spend the pre-trial time in jail.
Uncle Ike’s believes in lowering the barriers to access food. In October, Uncle Ike’s Glass & Goods implemented a weekly grocery drive in partnership with the Emergency Feeding Program. EFP is a nonprofit organization committed to providing a nutritional response to people in need of immediate food assistance by collaborating with partner agencies to ensure that no one will go hungry tonight.
Ike’s continues to give away boxes of free groceries at their Central District and White Center locations starting at 12pm EVERY Monday! Boxes contain meats, bread, cheese & dairy, fresh produce, canned & dried goods, packaged snacks, and MORE! Available to anyone in need during these difficult times – no questions asked. Please come grab a box. First come, first served, while supplies last.
In November Ike’s gave away over 500 boxes of groceries and employees volunteered their time at EFP’s warehouse where they prepared boxes of food to be given out all across Seattle.
Looking towards the new year, Uncle Ike’s would like to acknowledge and highlight the support of loyal customers as well as trusted vendors in their pursuit of impactful positive change. That’s why starting November 1st, Uncle Ike’s is donating 5% of ALL PROFITS to the Washington Build Back Black Alliance and the Last Prisoner Project, throughout the year 2021.
“The Washington Build Back Black Alliance was formed in the fall of 2020 when a group of Black and other BIPOC Non-profit executives and business leaders decided to consolidate their influence to speak on behalf of the black community across Washington State. In an unprecedented move, they vowed to connect the black community (young and established) by advocating in a cooperative fashion for shared generational prosperity.” WBBBA
“The Last Prisoner Project was formed by a coalition of cannabis industry leaders, executives, and artists dedicated to bringing restorative justice to the cannabis industry. LPP was founded out of the belief that if anyone is able to profit and build wealth in the legal cannabis industry, those individuals must also work to release and rebuild the lives of those who have suffered from cannabis criminalization.” LPP
Uncle Ike’s is partnering with these organizations because we believe their missions align with our desire to support significant changes towards equity in our communities. They exhibit strong governance and strategic plans which we understand are vital for effective charities to make every dollar count.
Washington Wildfire Relief Fundraiser
Washington State experienced a horrific wildfire siege this year which had a devastating effect on our friends and community. On November 6th, Uncle Ike’s, in partnership with Walden Cannabis, donated all profits from purchases of Walden Cannabis products to the Community Foundation of NCW to help with ongoing recovery and relief efforts.
This holiday season Uncle Ike’s has partnered with the Last Prisoner Project to support their Letter Writing Drive. With COVID restricting access to visitations and frequent lockdowns restricting internet access, this past year has been exceptionally more difficult and isolating for the incarcerated. Sending a holiday letter to those imprisoned under cannabis criminalization can really go a long way in lifting spirits. Receiving a handwritten letter is a personal reminder that they have not been forgotten. Ike’s has letter writing stations in all of our shops’ breakrooms for employee participation, and they encourage YOU to write a letter of your own.
All Uncle Ike’s locations have donation boxes where customers can drop their change or cash contributions. Your giving is matched 100% by Ike’s, up to $10,000 per month, and goes directly to the charitable organizations with whom we proudly partner.
