Yoga in Motion Raises Funds

The 2nd annual Yoga in Motion took place on Sunday April 25, 2010 at the Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex. More than 400 eager participants stretched, danced, sweated and united with one another to raise money for life-saving breast cancer research at the Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute of Mount Sinai Hospital. Because of participant support and fundraising efforts, we were able to raise more than $200,000 for breast cancer research.

The day opened with Amber Payie from CHUM 104.5 as our morning emcee who warmly welcomed the guests with her glowing smile. Dr. Marla Shapiro, Yoga in Motion ambassador and breast cancer survivor, shared her extraordinary personal story that inspired the crowd and showed how donor support has enabled breast cancer research to advance since Dr. Shapiro’s diagnosis in 2004.

Then the fitness began! Some of the top fitness instructors in the Greater Toronto Area led four one-hour yoga sessions taught by Michael Siddall & Carmela Savoia from Yoga Plus, JP Tamblyn from Octopus Garden and Diane Bruni from Downward Dog and four Zumba sessions led by Anne Cooke from Fitness in the Falls, Candice Paulsen & Christine from Flirty Girl Fitness and Nile Said from Zumba North.

Participants enjoyed food samples from the Pickle Barrel, fresh fruit from Mr. Produce, organic cookies, brownies and cheesecake from Sweets from the Earth, organic ice cream from Yogalicious and samples from Planet Organic. Hot tea was served at the David’s Tea stand and the Naked Juice tent was a hit with fruit smoothies that contained one pound of fruit each. During the breaks between fitness sessions, participants also shopped at Roots, Arbonne, Pure & Simple, Swamisz, and Progressive & Yoga Direct. The hundreds of women and men were enthusiastic and excited to take part in the all-day fitness marathon for a worthy cause. Every age group was represented at Yoga in Motion – each person pushed themselves to complete the fitness marathon. More than 400 Torontonians were in motion for a cure on Sunday.