YMCAs across Canada awaken the spirit of peacemaking on November 24

St. John’s and Mount Pearl, NL – On November 24, YMCAs and YMCA-YWCAs across Canada are calling on Canadians to “awaken their spirit of peacemaking” by participating in one of their coast to coast yoga classes available free to all ages and abilities.

The practice of yoga harmonizes the development of spirit, mind and body – a wholistic principle fundamental to the YMCA’s belief in health. The continued practice of yoga can lead to a sense of peace and well-being, and a feeling of being at one with the environment. Through the practice of yoga individuals can meditate on a peaceful world where all individuals are welcome and feel a sense of belonging to the global community. By thinking about peace, speaking about peace and ultimately taking action for a peaceful world - we can inspire peace.

For 25 years, the YMCA has held YMCA Peace Week, a celebration of local Canadian Peacemakers as well as a time to educate and inspire all ages to act for a more peaceful community locally and globally. This year YMCA Peace Week runs from November 21-28, 2009.

“For more than 150 years, the YMCA in Canada has been responding to the changing needs of the communities they serve,” Jason Brown, CEO. “But we can’t do it alone. YMCA Peace Week is about celebrating people who act as an inspiration to us all and make a significant contribution by building stronger neighbourhoods, schools and workplaces, at home and abroad”.

YMCAs in Canada have worked diligently with their international partners to build a better world. Currently, 46 Canadian YMCAs have 36 partnerships with YMCAs around the world; focusing on social justice, aids education, gender equality, children’s rights, health, employment and peace education.

“In today’s globalized world, we are all connected to each other more than we may realize,” says Jason Brown, CEO, at the YMCA-YWCA of Northeast Avalon. “Through sharing our message of peace we are able to inspire others to become engaged in peaceful actions,” says Mr. Brown.

Come join us for Yoga for Peace activities at the St. John’s Y, 34 New Cove Road and Mount Pearl Y, 25 Holden Street, November 24, 2009. Members welcomed and two week free pass will be accepted. Children under the age of 12 will need to be accompanied by an adult.

• Yoga for Peace children’s activities for ages 0-5, 9-11am, St. John’s Y
• Meditation for all ages 7-8pm, St. John’s Y
• Yoga for Peace for seniors – 9-10am, Mount Pearl Y
• Yoga for Peace children’s activities for ages 6-13, 3-5pm, Mount Pearl Y

As a values-based charity dedicated to healthy living and well being, the YMCA-YWCA of Northeast Avalon has a positive impact on the health of over 2000 people of all backgrounds, abilities and stages of life. The YMCA-YWCA of Northeast Avalon is a charity that provides opportunities for all to grow in spirit, mind, and body.

For further information, please contact:

Janet King
Coordinator, Communications, Special Events & Campaign Support
YMCA-YWCA of Northeast Avalon
709-754-2982 ext 60
jking@ynortheastavalon.com