RMNP hosts Yoga by the Lake

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This article was published 18/7/2019 (351 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Alisa Hobbs has seen the pain cancer can cause first-hand.

She lost an uncle, then her grandfather to lung cancer. After they were diagnosed, Hobbs knew she wanted to help raise money for research.

"I just felt like I had to do something," said the Winnipegger, who’s originally from Brandon.

She started up Yoga by the Lake at Riding Mountain National Park — entering its third year Saturday — with all donations going to CancerCare Manitoba to help find a cure.

"I’m not a runner, so I thought I can share yoga," she said. "I thought, ‘If I can do this, and people can come to my classes and we can raise some money, that would just feel like I’m contributing.’"

They’re hoping to see more than 100 people come out to take part in the morning yoga session. When she first started the event three years ago, they had approximately 60 people show up, and last year that number doubled.

"It’s just been growing every year," she said. "I just think word of mouth, the first year was just kind of the first, I just kind of did a couple of posters around town and I was surprised that many people came. Since then, I made my own website and started an online Facebook group, and I’ve been really promoting it in town."

It brings people together from all walks of life who have been affected by the same thing, she said.

"Every time I do a class someone comes and tells me about someone who’s been diagnosed in their family, or people are coming to me saying they’ve been through treatment. I think it’s a cause that really lots of people want to give money to, and it’s a community event to give back to."

It’s the only event like it in Riding Mountain, she said, taking place at the main beach by the lake. It’s a different experience than doing yoga inside a studio with the sounds of the water and nature, and the area has a special meaning for many people in Westman, she said.

"Being surrounded in nature with all these beautiful trees and fresh air, all these same trees have been here for hundreds of years, and it’s like connecting all of us together, all the generations together."

The event Saturday is open to anyone to come out and take part, and no previous yoga experience is necessary.

"Whatever age you are, whatever athletic ability you are, yoga can be for everybody, every body type even if you’re not flexible. I like to teach classes that are accessible to everybody."

Participants are asked to bring a mat or beach towel and water. Donations can be made by cash or cheque.

The event will run from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

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