Help Once Upon A Tea Leaf Recover

Once Upon a Tea Leaf, a beloved boutique nestled in the heart of downtown Maple Ridge, has been struck by an act of unimaginable hate. In the early hours of September 21st, at 2:30 AM, our world came crashing down when a young man shattered our windows and hurled two Marine Pyrotechnic devices into our cherished store. The intensity was so alarming that the local fire department was summoned, fearing that our entire building was ablaze. It was sheer luck that the entire block did not succumb to the flames, as these smoke signals were actually explosives that burned through our store's floor.

This heartbreaking incident marks the second time we've been targeted this year. Just a few months ago, in June, a young man smashed our glass door and unleashed a can of bear spray inside our store. The pain and suffering we've endured is immeasurable, but we refuse to let these acts of hate extinguish the warmth and love we've shared with our community.

Once Upon a Tea Leaf is more than just a business; it's a labour of love, a testament to family values, and a symbol of community support. For years, we've given back to our Maple Ridge family, cherishing the relationships we've built, and now, we turn to you, our extended family, for help.

The financial burden of this incident is overwhelming. The estimated cost of ruined products stands between $100,000 and $200,000. While insurance will cover some of these expenses, there are invaluable items, like those crafted by Georgie, who passed away in 2020, which simply cannot be replaced. Time is of the essence, as we need to start ordering new inventory immediately to ensure Once Upon a Tea Leaf's survival. Unfortunately, the insurance process can be lengthy, and we are at risk of losing everything we've worked so hard to build.

This is where you come in. Your generous contributions will bridge the gap between despair and hope. With your support, we can rebuild our boutique and restore the vibrant heart of downtown Maple Ridge. We dream of opening our doors once more, serving our cherished teas, sharing stories, and continuing to support our community.

Please, help us make this dream a reality. Your donation, no matter the size, is a powerful statement against hate, a symbol of resilience, and a beacon of hope for Once Upon a Tea Leaf. Together, we can show that love and unity will always triumph over hate.

Thank you for standing with us, and for being a part of our family, our community, and our story. We look forward to welcoming you back to Once Upon a Tea Leaf with open arms and a heart full of gratitude.