💪 Stretching for a Cause
On June 21, 2025, Ottawa hosts its first 12-hour Charity Yoga Marathon at Lansdowne Park—uniting over 500 yogis to raise funds for national mental health charities. Co-organized by Yoga4Hope and the Canadian Mental Health Association, the event features rotating instructors leading continuous classes: from sunrise Hatha to sunset Slow Flow. Participants seek sponsorships per hour stretched, with donations supporting crisis helplines, therapy grants, and peer-support programs. 🧘♂️🤝📞
🎟️ Event Highlights
- Guest Instructors: Renowned teachers from Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal lead signature workshops 🧑🏫✨
- Interactive Zones: Mindfulness lounges, art therapy stations, and live music by local bands 🎶🎨
- Food Court: Healthy vendors offer plant-based bowls and wellness shots 🥗🧃
📊 Impact & Community Spirit
With sponsorships ranging from CAD 10 to over CAD 1,000 per yogi, early estimates project over CAD 200,000 raised. Local businesses sponsor mat donations and wellness-care packages for first responders. Attendees report a sense of unity and hope, proving yoga’s power to heal mind and community alike. ❤️🏥✨
🔮 Legacy & Growth
Organizers plan to expand the marathon nationally in 2026, creating simultaneous fundraisers in Halifax, Calgary, and Winnipeg. Proceeds will support yoga-based mental health outreach in schools and rural communities—stretching compassion far beyond the mat. 🗺️🌱🙏
