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Tea time for Mount St. Mary’s Hospital

Afternoon of tea, music and history — all in proper Victorian fashion – planned for first-ever charity event

Mount St. Mary’s Hospital and the Society of Friends of St. Ann’s Academy are inviting Victoria for an afternoon of tea, music and history — all in proper Victorian fashion.

The Sophie Pemberton Tea is a new fundraiser for the two groups, who hope it can grow into an annual event. Taking place in the orchard of St. Ann’s Academy at 835 Humboldt St., guests will be treated to tea, historic finger foods, a musical performance by Raven Baroque and a Victorian fashion show by Victorian Vogue. Guests are also encouraged to dress in period, though there is no code.

“A surprising amount of people have some Victorian pieces hiding in their closet, but the occasion to actually wear them doesn’t often come up,” co-ordinator Barbara Newton said.

Guests can also take a tour of the academy, guided by historic impersonators.

The event is being supported by more than 300 volunteers, with funds being split between the two groups.

Mount St. Mary’s is an extended care hospital, which houses more than 200 people who cannot live at home due to medical conditions, many of whom need around-the-clock care.

The hospital is partly funded by Island Health, though it relies on donations in order to provide activities, art and music therapy, pet therapy and church services.

“For many of the people who live here, chances are its going to be their last home,” Newton said. “Island Health only covers medical needs, but these people have emotional, spiritual and personal needs that need to be met too.”

The Sophie Pemberton Tea takes place Aug. 10 from 1 to 4 p.m. Tickets are $35 and available at St. Ann’s Academy or Mount St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation at 861 Fairfield Rd.