If you ever thought that doing yoga could help save the world then this weekend is your chance to get downward dog for a good cause.
This Sunday (Sept. 9), Yoga Aid World Challenge participants will converge on the Fairmont Chateau Whistler to perform sun salutations for the African Yoga Project, imagine1day, and Care charities.
Yoga Aid World Challenge is a global 24 hour event where cities around the world hold two hour free yoga sessions and participants are encouraged to raise money for selected local charities. The event will kick off in Australian cities on Sunday and “follow the sun” to Singapore, Hong Kong and over 20 other countries. Yoga Aid World Challenge aims to raise $1 million US.
Dave Halliwell, owner of Früv Freedomwear, is organizing Whistler’s participation in the event. He has persuaded five teachers to donate their services from 10 a.m. until noon at the Fairmont’s Woodlands Terrace and is hoping to raise between $2,000 to $4,000.
“On Sunday we are hoping for at least 100 participants but with the GranFondo on that weekend, I hope there will be lots of bike racers ready to stretch with us and add to our numbers,” said Halliwell. “This is the first time I’ve been involved in organizing Whistler’s participation and I’m so excited about the opportunity to give back to the community. The three charities that we’ve chosen to funnel the money towards really do make a difference in the local communities where they are based.”
Local yoga teacher Tina James is equally passionate about using her practice for the greater good and is more than happy to be involved in the project.
“When I first got into yoga I didn’t become a teacher just to teach yoga. I’ve always wanted to use yoga as a platform to help people understand poverty and be reminded that others out there still aren’t receiving the basics,” said James. “As a global community we have the potential to make a big difference but it can’t just be for one day where we all sit on yoga mats and congratulate ourselves. Yoga Aid World Challenge is a great platform to inspire people to go home and change their lifestyle, change the way they eat and the products they buy.”
More information about Yoga Aid World Challenge can be found at www.yogaaid.com.
