It’s taken us the better part of a week, to even begin to understand and speak to what transpired in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and now much of the globe, these past few days. Neighborhoods, where some of our owners live, have been destroyed into rubble and ash. What happened to George Floyd was a tragedy for all of our communities, and will hopefully ensue as a vital turning point as we seek justice for him and for all. We’re heart broken, sickened, and angry like many of you, but today we are focused and committed on helping our fellow Minnesotans. Small business owners who were looted and burned (a few of our retail partners included), peaceful protesters, displaced families, the elderly, and those at risk from COVID-19 to name a few, need us. We are all one, or should be anyway, and while this is just the first step on the long road of better educating, communicating, and reforming the issues at hand, people need our support today.
Here are a few was you can get involved:
Bring Necessary Provisions to Portage Brewing
Starting today, Portage is a drop site for necessary provisions, like: medical supplies, non-perishable food items, baby food/diapers/wipes, feminine hygiene products, brooms, shovels, buckets, gloves, garbage bags, and face coverings (such as bandanas). Over the course of this week, local supporters will be delivering these supplies where they need to go. You can drop off items, anytime between 10AM-5PM this week.
Make Donations
We’ve spent the weekend researching donation options focused on neighborhood cleanup and rebuild efforts, supply collection and delivery, and more. We encourage each of you to do the same, and give appropriately if you can:
We Love Lake Street - Collecting donations to aid the rebuild of the East Lake Street Neighborhood
Neighbors United Funding Collaborative - Collecting donations to aid the rebuild of the Union Park and Hamline-Midway Neighborhoods
George Floyd Memorial Fund - This fund is established to cover funeral and burial expenses, mental and grief counseling, lodging and travel for all court proceedings, and to assist our family in the days to come as we continue to seek justice for George.
Support The Cities - General provision collection and delivery non-profit, helping to aid those in need during the protest cleanup
Northstar Health Collective - Providing healthcare services during times of protest.
We love our state, and all of the beautiful people who call Minnesota home. It’s time to better understand one another, and actively show interest in those who don’t share our race, ethnicity, or belief systems, by simply meeting halfway to say hello and hear each other out. We all want to be heard, cared for, and welcomed into our communities. Be safe and well, everyone.
On ahead.