An individual’s struggle with an eating disorder prompted two Edmontonians to organize yesterday’s Yogathon for Charity.
Held at the TransAlta Arts barn, the event gathered seasoned yogis with novices to profit a local anti-eating disorder organization.
After suffering from an eating disorder a decade ago, organizer Lisa Braoldi hopes to promote a healthy body image through yoga.
“We wanted to do something where you celebrate a healthy, happy lifestyle … and celebrate that we all have different bodies that are beautiful,” said Braoldi.
The event was initially organized to support the Society for Assisted Cooperative Recovery from Eating Disorders, but due to a financial shortfall, this non-profit closed its doors on Oct. 30.
Now the Me Without Measure Foundation is the only organization in Edmonton that deals with eating disorders. Its executive director, Peggy Szucs, painted a picture of desperation for her organization in the face of decreased charitable donations.
“The biggest struggle we have is funding, just meeting the demand for the people calling in to the organization looking for help,” said Szucs. “There aren’t resources.”
Despite the high stakes of the event, participants still managed to relax while enjoying yoga provided by instructors from the city’s best yoga studios.
“I think yoga promotes the individual person who is practising … I think that fits well with the idea of healthy body image,” said participant Lyndia Peters.
