Community Yoga Flow to benefit Afghani and Haitian Refugees

“Together We Rise,” is a free, all-are-welcome yoga class on Labor Day weekend. Donations are welcome.

By Elizabeth Shepherd • August 30, 2021 1:30 am
Courtesy Photo Amanda Kelly, who will lead the yoga flow benefit on Sunday, is a writer, yogi, mother and activist. She has taught across the planet and right in her own backyard. Her monthly community classes and students support local and international mutual aid organizations.
Courtesy Photo Amanda Kelly, who will lead the yoga flow benefit on Sunday, is a writer, yogi, mother and activist. She has taught across the planet and right in her own backyard. Her monthly community classes and students support local and international mutual aid organizations.

Women-led businesses on Vashon are teaming up together to support refugee families in Haiti and Afghanistan by hosting “Together We Rise,” an all-are-welcome yoga class on Labor Day weekend. The class is free, but donations are welcome.

All proceeds will benefit madre.org, a network of grassroots women’s groups on the front lines of the Afghani and Haitian refugee crisis, prioritizing the women and families most at risk.

The yoga flow, for those with all levels of experience, will be outside on the lawn at the Lodges on Vashon, led by activist, yoga practitioner, and teacher Amanda Kelly, with a welcome by local refugee family and Indigenous speakers. Other local women-owned businesses, including Seattle Canning Co, Agnes and Chloe Clothing, and Terra Bella Flowers, will share gifts with participants and donate a portion of their September revenue to Madre.org. The class is ADA accessible and will begin at 10 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 5.

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The idea for the event came from a group of Vashon friends who have been practicing together to support local and international mutual aid organizations every First Sunday for almost two years, on each other’s lawns or during quarantine via Zoom.

“Yoga is about community and love in action, about so much more than just being flexible. Practicing together and in service helps balance our bodies, minds and hearts during these intense times, “ says Kelly, who will lead this class.

The Lodges on Vashon manager, Christine Patterson, said she is happy to contribute a beautiful space for the practice.

“As a Vashon business that cares deeply about giving back, we are happy to share with community groups and outreach that serves families,” she said.

Local chef and owner/operator of Seattle Canning Company, Sarah Collins, herself an immigrant from Australia, said she is delighted to be sharing treats with participants and offering a portion of monthly proceeds to the effort.

“The ability to operate a business and be part of this community is such a blessing,” said Collins. “We are local food purveyors that act globally as much as we can, helping support efforts that grant all women on earth these same opportunities.”

Together We Rise details

The ADA accessible event will take place 10 a.m. to 11:15 am. Sunday, Sept. 5, on the lawn at the Lodges on Vashon.

Attendees should bring their own mat, water, and wear comfortable clothes. We will be outside with plenty of space. If you are unvaccinated for COVID, we ask you to keep your mask on for the entirety of our time together and maintain at least a six-foot distance from your neighbor.

Find out more at bit.ly/2We4IS9