www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Thursday, February 26, 2015 | 4 Peace of Minds Yogathon in Oakville Saturday by Abigail Cukier Special to the Beaver Yoga has long been a tool for improving mental health and many studies show it can help treat mental illnesses because of its effectiveness in managing stress. This month, Schizophrenia Society of Ontario (SSO) will showcase yoga's benefits and use it to raise funds to support the organization. Peace of Minds Yogathon Fundraiser will take place in Oakville, Toronto and Whitby on Saturday (Feb. 28). Each city will host six classes with six different instructors in a variety of styles. The fee to attend for the whole day is $100 or one class is $20, with proceeds going to the SSO. Participants are also encouraged to raise funds to donate to the society. Colin Matthews is owner of Kula Yoga Studio in Oakville and has participated for many years. "A large number of Canadians suffer from mental illness and it's not something addressed in the public in a notable way. But the health of our minds is a very significant part of how we live in the world," said Matthews. "Yoga teaches about mindfulness and peace of mind. So there is a natural synergy between yoga and what the SSO is doing." Matthews added that classes will be offered At the Peace of Minds Yogathon for Schizophrenia in 2012, long-time participant and yoga instructor Colin Matthews assists Devin Garcia with a pose. Matthews will participate in the 2015 event set for this Saturday (Feb. 28). | Oakville Beaver file photo at different levels and taught by teachers from around Halton region, including Brian Lang from Shunyata Yoga in Milton and Iris Kolenski, a Burlington yoga teacher. "It's a nice offering because it's people who want to practise yoga, those who want to raise funds for the SSO and people who benefit from SSO services. They all have different intentions and needs but can share in the practice together." Marina Sue-Ping, family and community coordinator at the SSO, Halton Peel Regional Office, said this will be the sixth yogathon in Oakville. So far, $50,000 has been raised for local programs and services. "The yoga teachers volunteer their time for the event. They are great at adjusting the moves for your level, so you don't have to be an expert to participate," Sue-Ping said. "It's a different, fun event and there is definitely a tie-in between yoga and mental health." Funds raised will go toward SSO programs, which include educational and support groups for families of individuals with mental illness, as well as advocacy and community education. Ask the Expert assists individuals and families living with schizophrenia and psychosis across Ontario through telephone, online and in-person support from trained mental health counselors. The Peace of Minds Yogathon Fundraiser will take place Saturday 9 a.m.- 4 p.m at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Secondary School, 124 Dorval Dr. For information, registration and schedule, Google SSO yogathon or visit http://goo.gl/ CX9J8T. WE CARRY A LARGE SELECTION OF VITAMINS, SUPPLEMENTS & HERBS COMPLIMENTARY TEETH WHITENING* Dr. Vanessa Milich & Associates Family Dental Care Encouraging Healthy and Happy Smiles Queensbury Dental Caring for Oakville Families for 10 years Welcoming New Patients Evening and Saturday Appointments 511 Maple Grove Drive, Unit #11 Oakville ( South of the QEW, East of Trafalgar ) Vitamins and Supplements for your Kids www.walkersvitamins.com Call 289 837-3591 905.849.8449 Dundas St. Oakmead n Trafalgar Rd. River Oaks Blvd. Upper Middle Rd. Sixth Line 1534 Queensbury Cres., Oakville (on Upper Middle Rd., just west of Trafalgar Rd.) www.queensburydentalclinic.com R0012976206 QEW ck ! iT's ba bac k! Come see why we're Oakville's best water provider. Our prices haven't changed in 10 years while maintaining a superior level of quality. Receive 50 FREE litres of U Fill Water and we'll also give you a FREE jug to transport your water! Enjoy a Quarter of our Rotisserie Chicken glazed with Honey Garlic sauce and grilled fresh to order. Served with your choice of side, coleslaw, a piece of garlic toast and a cup of soup or slice of pie. 12.49 *White meat add 1.50 ONLY Martindale * LIMITED TIME OFFER. While supplies last. All applicable taxes extra. Upgrade of sides extra. Upgrade from a cup to a bowl of soup for $1 more. ®Reg. T.M. Cara Operations Limited. NAT (TIER1,2,3)-E 01/15 NEW CUSTOMER OFFER: Delivery & Call Ahead Pickup 1-866-439-0439 www.swisschalet.ca 2251 WESTOAK TRAIL BLVD., UNIT#1 (905) 257.9257 · Email: oakvillewaterdepot@yahoo.ca