Over the years, the Arthritis Research Foundation’s (ARF) wonderful Power of Movement community has raised over $2 million! On March 5, the Power of Movement community gathered once again to do yoga and raise funds for arthritis and related autoimmune diseases. Participants of all ages and abilities attended specialized yoga events at three locations, Toronto, Kitchener-Waterloo and Whitby. If they were unable to attend in person, participants logged in virtually.
ARF has recently partnered with Sinai Health Foundation as the exclusive fundraiser for arthritis and related autoimmune diseases across Sinai Health System. ARF also strives to increase awareness of this large family of diseases, which affects over 4.6 million Canadians. Fifty five percent of people affected report going to work each day despite great pain and discomfort. Through leading-edge research and a greater awareness of the realities of arthritis related diseases, ARF hopes for a brighter future for those suffering from these debilitating conditions.
A variety of vendors attended the event and displayed their goods and services. Soothing drumming to complement the yoga was provided by musician Normando Jones. Participants, sponsors and volunteers enjoyed an interactive morning of posture checks, flower arrangement demonstrations, henna and face painting, meditative colouring and the chance to sample amazing gluten-free bread and smoothies along with the opportunity to purchase bakery delights and home organization and travel products. Prizes were generously donated by VIA Rail Canada, HBC, Keurig, Pattison, Fresh Restaurant, Aveda, Ryerson and Thirty One Bags. Farah Nasser and Alan Carter from GlobalTV co-emceed this year’s event in Toronto, and the 1.5 hour yoga session was led by three outstanding yoga leaders from the GTA; Paul Galloro of YogaFit, Glenn Julien of YOGAthletix and Salimah Kassim-Lakha of YogaVision. The morning was wrapped up with gourmet wraps generously donated by Country Kitchen.
Thank you to all participants who came out to do yoga to beat arthritis. And thank you to our sponsors, vendors, emcees, volunteers, yoga leads and everyone else who supported the Power of Movement campaign and helped make this event another success!