Blenz HOpe Cafe’s inaugural patio tea party a resounding success

Under sunny skies and with just a slight chill in the air, tea lovers gathered at the Blenz HOpe Cafe Wednesday to enjoy the inaugural patio tea party.

Guests enjoyed biscuits, scones, homemade preserves and their favourite beverage served in vintage china from 11 am until 1 pm.

Cafe manager Jo-Anne MacDougall organized the patio tea party to showcase the cafe and let the community know it’s not just for patients but for anyone and everyone to come and enjoy a cup of joe or a spot of tea in the airy space at the HOpe Centre.

Blenz HOpe Cafe manager and tea party organizer Jo-Anne MacDougall.

Jo-Anne expected about 20 people to RSVP for the $10 tea party, but instead received 75 responses.

“We are so fortunate to come and work in this amazing facility everyday and we are most proud to open up and share this beautiful space with our community,” says Jo-Anne. “It’s not about the tea –  it’s about the people. We have best team of baristas.”

The cafe, which is on the ground floor of the HOpe Centre on the Lions Gate Hospital campus, is a social enterprise of Canadian Mental Health Association North and West Vancouver offering an inclusive and supportive work environment.

Greta and Robert Ho (right) also dropped by for a spot of tea at the first annual patio tea party at the Blenz HOpe Cafe. They’re seen here with Joanne McLellan of the LGH Foundation and Kelly Pang.