Fundraising Success for Dans la Rue

May 3, 2019

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We are grateful for your support

The energy was focused and delightful during the annual Into the Light Yoga Groove Fundraiser held on April 18 at Loft108. About 30 participants raised $1,250 in private donations for Dans la Rue, a non-profit organization that works with homeless youth in Montreal.

“We are thrilled with the generosity of our community and silent auction sponsors. Thank you so much!” says co-host, yoga teacher and Loft108 owner, Yasmin Fudakowska-Gow.

Yasmin has organized a Yoga Fundraiser for Dans la Rue every year since 2012. Although usually in December on the solstice, this year, it was on the 108th day of the year, a significant and auspicious number in yoga and many spiritual traditions.

Cultivating community while supporting a worthy cause

Yoga Teacher Gisele Seto beams with joy during the April 18th Yoga Groove Fundraiser for Dans la Rue.

The event, which attracted all levels of participants from around Montreal, was cohosted by Groove Instructor Stephanie Nairn and also led by yoga teachers Gisele Seto and Sylvana Lorentzatos.

“The different modalities of movement seamlessly complemented one another, and fostered connection and support among the participants,” explains Stephanie. “Due to the generous contributions of local businesses and compassionate individuals in Montreal, the event has connected participants (both on and off the mat and dance floor!) from across this amazing city, for an urgent cause.”

Gisele agrees: “What a fun and meaningful night, reconnecting with Yasmin and her Loft108 community. So proud of our Dans La Rue fundraising success.”

Dans la Rue now offers yoga classes

“Dans la rue is very happy to be part of this beautiful project. Whether it is nutritious meals, nursing, Emmett Johns School or activities, the well-being of homeless youth is our priority,” explains Valérie Dubreuil, Director of Development and Communications at Dans la Rue. “Now, thanks to Yasmin’s donations, we offer yoga classes to youth. Another way to give them a break from the realities of the street.”

About the cause

Cultivating Community is one of organizers missions in life and work.

Dans la rue is the only organization in Montreal with a multifaceted approach to respond to the needs of homeless youth and youth at risk. Donations fund the services and programs adapted to the youths’ needs. This includes: service & meal van, emergency shelter, day centre, employment services, psychologists, nurses, apartments, family services, etc.

About the tradition

Yasmin started this annual tradition in 2012 as a way to give back to the community. Yoga teachers and students from all over Montreal attend this event annually. In 2017, Loft108 also donated nearly 50 yoga videos and books from my private collections to help Dans la Rue start a wellness and self-help library.

About the theme

The theme of our event is ‘Into the Light’. This started because the event was originally held on Dec 21, the Solstice, when the days begin to get longer. Adding to this, Yasmin has a mission in life to cultivate community, give back and share hope, love and strength with as many people as through yoga, meditation and wellbeing. She says:

“We all go through challenges in life and without guidance, mentorship and support, each and everyone of us can lose ourselves in darkness. This is why the work and mission of Dans la rue is so important and speaks the core of my being.”