Union Chill Honors Late Co-Founder, New Hope Council Member Laurie McHugh With Food Drive

In commemoration of the birthday of the late Laurie McHugh, co-founder of Union Chill Cannabis Company and former New Hope Borough council member, the company announced its support for the Laurie McHugh Memorial Food Drive.

McHugh, who would have turned 59 on May 15, died in an August 2023 car crash.

“Laurie was a visionary spirit who was passionate about helping her community and a tireless advocate for cannabis. We are all better for knowing her and continue to miss her tremendously,” said Matt Borish, vice president of marketing at Union Chill Cannabis Company.

Borish added: “Given Laurie’s love and commitment to her community, it’s a fitting tribute to honor what would have been her 59th birthday by raising $59,000 for Bucks County Housing Group, which will provide 59,000 meals for local families.”

McHugh co-founded Union Chill, the City of Lambertville’s first dispensary.

She left a mark on New Jersey’s cannabis industry and the New Hope Borough and City of Lambertville communities.

During her nearly decade-long tenure on the New Hope Borough Council, McHugh served as a liaison to the Shade Tree Commission and the Greater New Hope Chamber of Commerce. She was instrumental in forming the borough’s first Junior Council and co-founded the Bucks County Dragon Boat Association.

All proceeds will benefit the Bucks County Housing Group (BCHG), a Warminster-based nonprofit dedicated to eliminating food and housing insecurity in the county. In the last year, nonprofit’s Food Program served over 21,000 individuals and provided housing for 288 people.

To contribute to the food drive, donations can be made online or by mailing a check to 620 Jacksonville Road, Suite 140, Warminster, PA, 18974, addressed to Beth Ann Rikk’s with “Laurie McHugh Memorial Food Drive” noted on the memo line.