Afternoon tea can have a positive impact for youth at risk of homelessness in Greater Victoria with the sixth-annual partnership between a local charity and businesses.
The Shine a Light on Youth Homelessness campaign finds success partnering with local companies, in particular the popular Silk Road and its 12 Days of Tea boxes.
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“Between the pandemic, employee shortages and supply chain issues, small businesses like Silk Road have had to adapt and shift, and adapt again the last few years, but that’s nothing compared to what some youth have had to survive,” Silk Road owner Daniela Cubelic said in a statement.
“It has reinforced the power of togetherness, and how each of us has the opportunity to give what we can; when we work together, it can add up to something meaningful. Knowing that, we’re proud to continue our part in Shine a Light.”
Threshold Housing Society works to prevent adult homelessness by providing safe housing, support services, and community to at-risk youth, aged 15 to 24.
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“Shine a Light is our biggest campaign of the year, and it needs to reflect our position in the community and our commitment to supporting Indigenous youth, communities, organizations, and businesses,” executive director Colin Tessier said.
This year, Threshold extended the campaign, adding Cowichan Valley-based Crowfoot Collective to the list of partners. The beeswax comes from Island bees pollinating Island flowers.
“Youth homelessness is a cause close to our hearts. We believe in the importance of what Threshold is doing, and we are excited to be part of Shine a Light,” co-owners Claire and Lawrence Crowfoot said in a statement.
Other partners include Country Grocer, Urban Grocer and a growing list of specialty shops including Adventure Clothing on Yates Street.
Learn more about the charity and partners or order products online at thresholdhousing.ca/shinealight.
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