Sanctuary Cafe at Kingston Road United Church offers tutoring, a place to socialize and more

By JESSICA SHACKLETON

Sundays are a day to rest and reset. At Sanctuary Café and Tutoring, it’s a gathering place to study, socialize, and combat Sunday “scaries”.

Started by Sobia Asghar, Sanctuary Café officially opened on June 1. It is located inside Kingston Road United Church.

“We offer tutoring for kids up to Grade 12 on weekends and in the evening, and it’s a community hub for the rest of us,” she said.  “We have a range of young families, new moms, all the way to senior citizens.”

She’s very happy with the community’s response so far.

“Originally, this was just going to be setting up with a university student or a high school student, but what I’ve noticed is most of my clients are senior citizens, and they’re saying, ‘Hey, how can I give back to the community, how can I volunteer to be a tutor?’ and that bridges the generational gap, which I really enjoy,” she said. 

Asghar did her undergraduate and master’s degrees at Toronto Metropolitan University and is pursuing a doctorate in education from Western University.

“The need really began because my son needed affordable tutoring and I was like, how can we make affordable tutoring and a community hub and combine it to create something special,” she said.

Issa, Asghar’s 11-year-old son, helps behind the counter and is already an ace at taking orders and talking with customers.

Follow the church ramp to the left of the front door and take a right down the hall to find the space.

They sell coffee, cold drinks, and baked goods for those using the space to enjoy. During the summer study season, Asghar said the place is busy every day.

The coffee comes from Pilot Coffee Roasters and the treats from Circles & Squares Bakery. Along with drip coffee, the menu includes lattes, americanos, tea, juice, and more.

“We really focus on one-on-one; we really love that,” she said. “It’s such a good spot.”

They offer in-person, one-on-one tutoring in most high school-level courses in English, math, and science.

The student rate is $50/hour, which Asghar says is competitive. Tutoring prices for high school students in the city can cost up to $85/hour.

“The idea is to create an inclusive, affordable space for everyone in the neighbourhood. When you come here, I want to feel right at home,” said Asghar.

Colleen has been coming to Kingston Road United since she was 13 years old. She started singing in the junior choir, then the senior choir, and she has been enjoying the new space after Sunday service.

“I love this place; it’s like home when I come here, and music is my thing,” she said. “This is a very nice thing they’ve brought in, so people that have never come into our church, they’re starting to come in and get a feel of the space.”

Gathered at the corner table is the group Colleen calls the party people, which included the “Music Man” Eric MacKeracher.

MacKeracher has been the music director since 2000. He said the community is what’s kept him there all these years.

“You can see it. Great people. It’s just a nice space to be in,” he said.

Sitting next to him was Brian Price, who MacKeracher said is at Sanctuary all the time to “schmooze” and enjoy the coffee.

“It’s something to support the neighbourhood and these lovely ladies. The almond croissants are to die for,” said Price. 

Sanctuary Café and Tutoring is open Monday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekends from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and closed on Friday. Kingston Road United Church is located at 975 Kingston Rd.

For more information on Sanctuary Café, please visit https://www.sanctuarycafe.ca/