‘Create safe spaces’: Laval yoga event to raise funds for mental health

Mindfulness and charity will merge for a special yoga class in Laval.

The MIND foundation Canada and Idolem Centropolis Hot Yoga are set to host a 60-minute class on May 11 where all proceeds raised will go towards the charity who raises funds and awareness for neurological diseases and disorders.

“This event is important,” said Paolo Bastone, co-founder of the MIND foundation Canada. “It will be a great opportunity for people to de-stress and help raise awareness about the importance of different exercises like hot yoga in improving mental health.”

Reception area at the Idolem Centropolis Hot Yoga studio. (Credit: Joel Escallier)

“Yoga emphasizes a holistic approach to health that integrates physical, mental, and spiritual well-being,” said Loredana Festa, co-owner of Idolem Centropolis Hot Yoga. “This is important to us to destigmatize mental health.”

By partnering with the foundation, the yoga studio hopes to help create an open and supportive environment where individuals feel comfortable discussing and addressing mental health issues.

“This initiative hits some personal aspects for some of our partners,” explained Festa. “Whether that be personally struggling with mental health challenges or having people we love around us struggling.”

“To us, having this awareness allows us to create safe spaces for people we encounter daily that walk into our studio.”

The non-profit, founded in 2020, was inspired by the fact that both of the founders grandparents had Alzheimer’s.

The team, looking forward to collaborate with the yoga studio again — back in December, free hot yoga classes were donated to parents at the foundation’s annual Holiday Toy Drive for the Shriners Hospital for Children.

RELATED: ‘We can make real change’: Hundreds of toys donated to children from a Montreal foundation

The charity event on May 11 is from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Those interested are encouraged to sign up online and bring a yoga mat, water bottle, towel, and smile.

“Whatever you may be going through,” said Bastone. “This is the place to be and a great opportunity to help put your mind at ease.”

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