Victoria tea house donating portion of revenue to support domestic violence survivors

A Victoria tea house is turning afternoon tea into a fundraiser later this month, with half of the day’s revenue going toward organizations supporting survivors of domestic violence and brain injury.

Pendray Tea House will host its third annual Purple Thursday Afternoon Tea on Sunday, October 18th, inviting people to enjoy its traditional afternoon tea while supporting the cause.

Throughout the day, 50% of all afternoon tea revenue will be donated in support of Canadian Royal Purple and the BC Brain Injury Association.

The annual event is aimed at raising both money and awareness about the connection between intimate partner violence and traumatic brain injuries, something organizers say can often go overlooked.

“Purple Thursday has become a very meaningful event for our team, and we are proud to support it for a third year,” said Julia Canton, director of sales and marketing at Pendray Inn & Tea House.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together over Afternoon Tea while helping raise awareness and funds for organizations providing essential support to survivors.”

According to statistics highlighted by the Purple Thursday initiative, one in three women will experience intimate partner violence, while many incidents involve blows to the head, face or neck that can result in brain injuries.

Pendray first became involved with Purple Thursday three years ago, and organizers say similar afternoon tea fundraisers have since spread beyond Victoria to other communities across Canada.

This year’s event will take place inside the historic Pendray Inn, an 1896 Victorian mansion located near Victoria’s Inner Harbour.

There’s no separate fundraiser ticket required, guests simply book a regular afternoon tea on October 18th, and half of the afternoon tea revenue collected that day will be donated.

Afternoon tea will be served from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Pendray Tea House, located at 309 Belleville Street.

Reservations are recommended and can be made through the Pendray Tea House website, by emailing or by calling (250) 388-3892.