By Brittany Drysdale
WEAVING into Warrior Pose and dropping into Downward Dog, participants of b.YOGA’s pre–International Yoga Day fundraiser did their part to raise money for a worthwhile cause.
Namasteing their way to raising over $2000, b.YOGA will donate all the funds to the Cambodian Clean Water and Toilet Project, a cause dedicated to providing basic hygiene essentials to help break the cycle of poverty in Cambodia.
Working with the charity for the past eight years, which has completed 587 toilets and 167 water bores to date, b.YOGA founder Heidi Van Maanenberg is passionate about the cause.
“It’s our passion. We raise a lot of money and go over there with a big group and help put in the toilets.
“We do lots of bonding. We’ve got a lot of good friends over there now who have become like family. It’s a full community, so we do a lot of work with them while we’re over there and get to catch up and keep helping and see where it is that needs the help,” said Heidi.
The event, which was held on Saturday, June 17 at Kialla Central Hall, welcomed 40 yogi’s from all levels of experience as they acknowledged the winter solstice- a significant time of year in yoga.
The afternoon included grounding practice, chanting, meditation, yoga nidra, organic teas and a vegan dinner with dessert.
The tranquil event aimed to re-set, recharge, and nourish participants while doing good for those in need.
“The atmosphere was amazing. It was really friendly, inviting and warm, everyone was happy to be there,” said Heidi.
Heidi and her group of dedicated volunteers are heading to Cambodia this Friday, June 23, where the money raised will go towards the installation of a toilet and two fresh water pumps in the small village of Kok Beng, just outside of Siem Reap, making a huge difference to those in the community.
