For about an hour every Wednesday beginning at 6 p.m., the tranquil Green at Wortley Village is even more relaxing thanks to one local REALTOR®.
Louise Daw has been leading yoga sessions in a park near the heart of London, Ontario since June. Daw, a former fitness teacher and certified yoga instructor, said she was looking for a way to give back in her community.
She held her first class one night in June and the weekly sessions have since grown with more than 500 people participating, which has helped raise more than $1,700 for the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Middlesex branch.
“It’s just kind of grown. I didn’t expect it to be as successful as it has been,” said Daw, who used to work extensively with the CMHA during her time as a consultant at a health promotions specialist. “Not only have we brought money to the CMHA, but awareness as well.”
The money she has collected will be donated at the end of her summer yoga classes in mid-September. The donation money will be earmarked for the recovery fund aimed at helping people who have had challenges or crises reintegrate back into their community.
Local businesses have jumped on board offering gifts and items for “out-door prizes,” Daw said.
Her classes cater to all individuals regardless of their experience or familiarity with yoga. She’s had toddlers and seniors take part, and she is already getting hounded to continue into the fall.
“I probably will continue it since it has been so successful and it’s a great way for me, as a REALTOR®, to build positive relationships and show people we do actually care,” she said.
