United Way and Silk Road Tea launches Weekly Wellness Wednesdays
United Way Southern Vancouver Island and Silk Road Tea are launching Weekly Wellness Wednesdays starting September 22, 2021 to benefit United Way’s Blue Love Campaign for mental health.
Every Wednesday, Silk Road Tea and United Way will feature an everyday wellness tip with a specific product offering, with all proceeds benefiting the Blue Love Campaign to fund more mental health services across Southern Vancouver Island. Wellness tips will be featured on Silk Road and United Way’s social media channels and websites, and the related products can be purchased in-store at Silk Road Tea.
The first Wellness Wednesday will launch with a focus on the mood-boosting effects of tea. Green and white teas tend to contain ingredients traditionally associated with mood boosting effects. Silk Road’s first Weekly Wellness Wednesdays product will be their HAPPY TEA.
For Daniela Cubelic, owner and Tea Master at Silk Road Tea, the topic of mental health is one that she holds dear to her heart. “There is a high prevalence of mental health issues in my family,” said Cubelic. “Growing up with and around those struggling with mental health gave me a strong desire to help those around me, and to also learn to take care of my own well-being.”
At an early age, Cubelic found that her habit of drinking tea, practising mindfulness and aromatherapy have all been linked to boosting mental health in various ways.
“At the time, there weren’t studies to back up how these early habits of mind boosted mental health,” said Cubelic, “but I could feel the difference they were making in my own life and it inspired me to continue and deepen my knowledge. Eventually, this way ofliving evolved into the products we make at Silk Road Tea.”
“An increasing body of research is revealing that happiness is a skill - even
if we’re not born with it, it’s something we can get better at. It just takes practise,” said Cubelic. “This can feel like it’s going to be difficult when you’re feeling down, because doing anything can feel hard. This is part of the reason why I have always been drawn to the simple, easy methods that support well-being.Pausing for a cup of tea can do wonders to counteract stress and uplift spirits. Taking a bath has been found to bolster moods and counteract depression.”
Cubelic’s passion for mental health is reflected in United Way’s Blue Love campaign. Being a supporter and funder of mental health agencies for years, United Way is aware that the sector was stretched before COVID-19. Now, the demand for services has increased, some by as much as 50 per cent, and will continue to grow as the community moves to recover from the pandemic. All the proceeds from Silk Road’s collaboration will go back into the community, with the goal of raising $1 Million by December 2021.
To date, over $300,000 has been raised.
“Since we launched the Blue Love Campaign in April, we have been approached by many individuals who have shared their personal stories with us about how mental health has impacted their lives, directly orindirectly. The need for more services is real and it is urgent,” said Mark Breslauer, CEO, UWSVI. “It’s veryimpactful to have a local business like Silk Road Tea work with us to raise awareness about mental wellness during the fall and winter seasons.”
For more information about the Blue Love campaign, visit uwsvi.ca/bluelovecampaign/
About United Way Southern Vancouver Island
United Way Southern Vancouver Island (formerly United Way Greater Victoria) is a trusted leader,influencer and catalyst for change. United, we accelerate change to improve the lives of our neighbourswho need it most, making our local community stronger. We believe everyone on Southern VancouverIsland, which includes 13 municipalities and 11 First Nations and the Southern Gulf Islands should have the opportunity to reach their potential. Our priorities are focused on assisting isolated seniors; families in need;diversity, equity and inclusion; and individuals struggling with mental health challenges and/or addictions.Last fiscal year, United Way raised $6.2 million thanks to over 7,000 donors and 200 workplaces opening their offices to run employee giving programs. Through our community partnerships, over 125,000 people on Southern Vancouver Island received support. Show your local love today by making a gift to United Way at www.uwsvi.ca
