Yoga Classes Raise Money for Japan

The Health Advantage Yoga Center offered two yoga classes on Tuesday, April 12, to benefit Global Giving's Japan Earthquake and Tsunami relief fund.

Instructors Kathy Duke and Pat Pao held both classes in exchange for contributions that will later go to those who are suffering in Japan.

Over the past few years, both instructors have held yoga classes to raise money for charity. When they heard about the devastation in the country, both women said they were moved to help those who had been affected. 

“It was kind of a last minute thing but after the earthquake we both felt we really wanted to do something to help out,” Pao said. She said at least 25 people attended the event. Between class contributions and donations made online about $1,000 has been raised. “It's not very much but sometimes the small things really help out the world.”

An origami project was also held prior to each class after Pao read about the “Paper Cranes for Japan” online. According to their Facebook page, DoSomething.org created the campaign, with the help of two organizations, Architecture for Humanity and Students Rebuild.

For every crane received the Bezos Family Foundation donated $2 to Architecture for Humanity's reconstruction efforts in Japan. The goal was to receive 100,000 submissions. Pao said that at least 1,000 cranes were created by the yoga students on Tuesday. 

News reports say the death toll in Japan has officially crossed 10,000 people. More than 17,000 are still missing and nearly 300,000 are temporarily in shelters.

Pao said the Health Advantage Yoga Center is always looking to give back to the community and she is happy with the progress they've had so far.

“We're in it to give back to the community,” Pao said. “We try to do this regularly, a couple times a year. We've [helped] Operation Homefront a while back and we've done stuff for the Jeanie Schmidt Clinic. We try to help out those internationally and within the local community.”

On Wednesday, Duke asked that people consider helping those in Japan, as the situation is still dire. They are continuing to experience aftershocks, she said, and difficulty in getting supplies to the least accessible areas. 

“We were very happy at the turnout for our classes on Tuesday night, and even more appreciative for all the donations we received,” Duke said. “One of the best ways to strengthen the heart is to reach down and lift up another.”

The Health Advantage Yoga Center is still accepting donations, which can be made on their Global Giving fundraiser page. The Health Advantage Yoga Center is located at 1041 Sterling Road, in Herndon. Call 703-435-1571 or visit www.healthadvantageyoga.com.