Hello, My Tea Loves,

My name is Lana Burchell, and I am the Managing Director of Steve’s Tea Company, a four intergenerational business that has been a pillar of the local Brantford economy for the last 17 years.

Recently, while on vacation with my fiancé and teens and being intentionally off grid, our business accounts were hacked. While the bank was taking 10 business days to recover the funds, we were left with an empty piggy bank and had to make some tough decisions.

The pirates purchased 2 e-scooters, went shopping and the finished with McDonald’s because pillaging makes people hungry!

To keep our staff supported during this crisis, I’ve been personally covering payroll and not commercial rent — because the heart of our tearoom has always been the people who make it so special.

On top of this, we’ve experienced some staff turnover. Now, we are working hard to rebuild — but we need your help. The funds raised through this campaign will go directly toward:

• Covering our commercial rent so our doors can stay open

• Hiring and training new team members

• Purchasing the inventory needed to serve the teas and treats you all love

Our tearoom isn’t just a business. It’s a community hub. It’s where people celebrate engagements, birthdays, anniversaries, and everyday joys. It’s where laughter is shared, comfort is poured, and memories are made — one cup at a time.

How You Can Help

There are so many ways you can support:

• Share this campaign on your social media and offline teafriends to spread the word

• Pour into us & donate directly to help us bridge this difficult season

• Dine in the tearoom and enjoy an Afternoon Tea with us

• Invite your friends to visit and make a purchase

• Pre-pay for your Advent Calendars and secure a little holiday magic early

Math time: we see, on average, 250 customers a week. If they all purchased a cream tea (tea and scones for $10), we would be ¼ of the way towards our goal!

Every action — big or small — makes a meaningful difference.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for standing with us. With your support, we will not only get through this challenge but come back stronger, continuing to serve our community with warmth, joy, and of course, tea.

I never imagined I’d be writing this, but sometimes life throws challenges we can’t overcome alone. There’s an old African adage that says, “fast alone, or further TOGETHER.” To me, that’s what communi-TEA is all about.

From the bottom of my teacup,

Lana Burchell