Minna, the mission-driven organic, lightly brewed sparkling tea, is doing it’s part to support COVID-19 relief efforts from the sparkling tea beverage category.
Founder, Ryan Fortwendel has been tirelessly at work seeking out how to do his part and help the community. Since before the launch of Minna in 2019 and winning the NEXTY Best New Organic Beverage award at Expo East, which solidified his place on the map in the sparkling beverage category, Ryan has always been a philanthropist at heart. After leaving the fashion industry in 2016, he traveled to Livingston, Zambia and volunteered on a building program with African Impact. During his time there, Ryan raised $15k through his social media for the non-profit.
When Ryan launched Minna last year, he still sought to do his part and make an impact in his community. Minna means “everyone,” the company is committed to giving at least 1% of sales to nonprofits advocating for inclusion. As a small business owner, Ryan is incredibly passionate about making a difference and giving back to non-profits that need it the most. With the current crisis, Ryan feels that it is important to put money into action now vs. spreading it out over the year as originally planned. Below, please see how Minna is making a difference:
- In March, Minna has donated a total of $75,000 to local nonprofits and philanthropies, including —
o $10,000 to The Ali Forney Center — protects LGBTQ youths from the harms of homelessness and empowers them with tools they need to live independently.
o $10,000 to City Harvest — helps to feed the nearly 1.2M New Yorkers that are struggling to put meals on their tables.
o $10,000 to City Meals on Wheels — provides nourishing meals and vital companionship to the elderly.
o $25,000 to Help Refugees/Choose Love — reunites refugee children with their families.
o $5,000 to No Kid Hungry — works to end child hungry and poverty in the United States and around the world.
o $10,000 to The OR Foundation — works to end slavery in the fashion industry and environmental degradation.
* Minna is donating over 46,000 cans ($100,000 worth of product) to Founders Give, which helps to get premium food & beverage products to the frontline doctor and nurses of NYC.
* Offering 20% off on all Amazon orders, using the code LOVEMINNA. In turn, Minna will donate 20% of online sales to various organization that are assisting in COVID-19 relief efforts.
Like all small businesses, Minna has been affected by our current climate. However, as a leader, Ryan continues to remain positive and uphold Minna’s mission of making a difference. Minna will continue to help support a variety of non-profits through donations over the next few months.
