Tea & Talk
On Sundays once a month since June 2022, the Parish of St. Philip's, Dunbar has hosted Tea and Talk for Ukrainian women and children who have fled Ukraine since April 2022. Attendance has more than doubled since Tea & Talk began. These gatherings are meaningful and heartfelt for everyone.
As the children play in the gym, the women, and some husbands and grandparents too gather in the Fireside Room (one of the parish’s principal gathering spaces) to visit over coffee, tea and treats. Volunteers from St Philip's parish, the Dunbar neighbourhood, and Vancouver Helps Ukrainians lead the children in crafts and play in the gym and serve the women in the Fireside Room providing a welcome opportunity for a couple of hours of social time while the children play across the hall. There is just enough separation, and just enough proximity, for both mothers and children to enjoy their afternoon in total security. The women love it, are keen to come back, and new guests appear each month.
In December, Ukrainian friends and Canadian hosts and volunteers broke bread together in celebration of new friendships. More than 50 people shared an eclectic potluck in the Fireside Room, from pierogi to borscht to beet salad to Bison Stew. Then main courses were followed by desserts of every kind. Ukrainian guests and children gathered in front of the fireplace and sang Christmas songs, including what we know as The Carol of the Bells, composed by a Ukrainian. An Easter dinner on Orthodox Easter for Ukrainians and Canadian friends further celebrates the bonds created and the support shared
“Many of the Ukrainian families didn’t know any other Ukrainians in Vancouver since they came from different areas of Ukraine. The families are now much more connected with each other and are sharing resources, information, and for the kids - play dates. It has become a supportive community where many have expressed that they feel cared for and connected.”
- Trisha Hiland, Psychologist, and co-founder of Tea & Talk
“So grateful to you, the volunteers, and your church for providing such a perfect seasonal celebration. No way we could have done something so special without the church and your hard work. The Ukrainians have been so fortunate to have your help all this time. It’s just sooo wonderful.”
- Sandra Robinson, Professor, founder of local volunteer group, Vancouver Helps Ukrainians
“Thank you so much for all that you and your friends do for us. It is very big support for us, for Ukrainian moms and children. Let God safe all us.”
- Olga, alone, mother of a little boy.
“Dear St Philips! Thank you for allowing us to meet at your church and for serving our Ukrainian community for almost a year now! We have formed friendships and helped each other a lot!”
- Valeria, mother of four children, the youngest born here. Her husband is with her.
“Dear Canadians! Thank you all for not leaving us alone in this trouble all this year.”
- Anna, alone, mother of a ten-year-old daughter and a baby boy born in Vancouver.
IMAGES
- A group photo from Feb 19, 2023, shows the largest Tea & Talk gathering up to that date. Present were four babies born in Canada just months after their mothers arrived from Ukraine. Five little boys are missing from the photo because they always tear around the gym until the last minute.
- Alex loves dinosaurs
- Halloween party
- Vlad with his little sister who was born in Canada
- Five friends
- (In the body copy) An August visit in the Fireside Room
Photos: Debbie Matheson