Canadians stretch their limits for people with vision loss
CNIB launches new health and wellness and fundraising initiative –
The Great Canadian Yoga Stretch
Toronto, ON – As part of Vision Health
Month in May, CNIB is launching the first ever Great Canadian Yoga
Stretch. The month-long, nationwide campaign hopes to promote eye health
and raise funds for CNIB programs and services in support of people who
are blind or partially sighted as well as help Canadians get and stay
active.
Participants will choose a personal “stretch goal” at the beginning
of the month, which could be anything from completing their first yoga
class to mastering a difficult pose to a 30-day challenge. They’ll then
solicit donations from friends and family for CNIB, and spend the rest
of May working to achieve their goal.
“Almost anyone can do yoga regardless of age, experience or level of
vision,” says CNIB President and CEO, John M. Rafferty. “Yoga is an
accessible sport and we’re encouraging all Canadians to take part in the
campaign.”
According to the event’s creator and chair, Tanya Geisler, the Great
Canadian Yoga Stretch is the perfect union of improving personal
wellness and supporting the vital services of CNIB.
“As a life coach, I help people get ‘unstuck’ in life . . . ,” says
Geisler. “As a yoga fan, I love sharing the mind and body benefits of
the practice with people I meet. I conceived of the Great Canadian Yoga
Stretch campaign as a means to marry these two notions – and build
support for CNIB programs at the same time!”
At the end of the month all participants are invited to celebration
events in local communities across Canada. These celebration events will
be held on May 29 and 30 and feature a special accessible yoga
practice. Those participants who generate the most funds are eligible
for grand prizes, including a relaxing yoga getaway at CNIB’s Lake
Joseph Centre in the heart of Ontario’s Muskoka region.
Funds raised in the Great Canadian Yoga Stretch will go toward CNIB’s
practical support services for people with vision loss, like mobility
training, career assistance and emotional counselling.
To get involved in the Great Canadian Yoga Stretch, visit www.greatcanadianyogastretch.ca.
About Vision Health Month
Every 12 minutes, someone in Canada begins to lose their eyesight.
But did you know that 75 per cent of vision loss can be prevented? This
May, CNIB is launching its first ever Vision Health Month, a month
filled with special events and activities designed to educate Canadians
about protecting their eyes, preserving their sight and enjoying a
healthy lifestyle. All funds raised during Vision Health Month will
support vision health research, public education and vital programs and
services for blind and partially sighed Canadians.
To speak to a CNIB spokesperson please contact:
Yeena Peng, Specialist, Media Relations, CNIB
T: 416-486-2500 ext. 8355, C: 416-529-1628, E: yeena.peng@cnib.ca
Web
www.greatcanadianyogastretch.ca