On the day when Martin and Esther Kafer attempt to be the worlds oldest couple to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro hes 85, shes 84 , they are asking their fellow Vancouverites to tackle the Grouse Grind to raise money for the Alzheimer Society of BC. The Kafers have climbed more than 500 mountains and made over 75 first-ascents in the B.C. coastal mountain range.
You can support them on their quest by either making a donation to the Ascent for Alzheimers in their name, or by taking part in the Mt. Kilimanjaro Grouse Grind for Alzheimers on September 30. Participants are encouraged to fundraise, either as individuals or a team, a minimum of $700 in funds. For more information or to make a pledge, go to HikeMKGG.com,AlzheimerBC.org orGrouseMountain.com.
Meanwhile, the Grouse Grind Mountain Run is September 22. Hikers of all ages and abilities can try to beat their best times or simply challenge themselves for the first time. Length: 3 kilometres; elevation gain: 853 metres; total stairs: 2,830; fastest official time ever: record held by Sebastian Salas of 23:48; average time: an hour and a half.
Yogacara knows how much yoga can contribute to wellness. It also knows that the cost of classes is sometimes a barrier. As part of its Grow Yoga, Build Community program, it is offering a Karma Yoga program that allows students to attend yoga classes simply by making a donation of a canned good. It will also donate $3 for every student who attends the class to a local charity.
Yogacara has studios in Kitsilano and Riley Park and has just opened a new one in Mount Pleasant. On September 15, it started offering a variety of classical yoga styles include Hatha, Yin, Restorative, Vinyasa, Kundalini, Yoga Nidra and Pilates. The studio (at 3381 Fraser) is owned by Carmellia Rumbal, an experienced yoga teacher and Reiki Master. She has trained with David Swenson, Donna Farhi, Doug Swenson, Rodney Yee and Nancy Gilgoff. YogacaraStudios.com
You can win a $50 gift card to try out some of the classes at Yogacara by going to WEVancouver.com/contests.
Your hips will certainly get a good workout at the Thursday night hoola hoop classes for women at the West End Community Centre (870 Denman). The six sessions Sept. 20 to Oct. 25 with Jessie Rockley will teach you to manipulate the hoola hoop with style and grace, as well as a few trick moves. Classes are from 6:60 to 7:30pm and are $71 for all six or $13 each as a drop-in. Register at Vancouver.ca/parks/cc/westend or by calling 604-257-8333.
If back-to-school stress is getting to you, Vida spa is making it easier to invest a little time on yourself. Its offering the following packages until Sept. 30: Spend $200 on any retail and receive a free De-stress Face or Body treatment; spend $400 on any retail and receive a free 60-minute Classic Balancing Facial; spend $500 on retail and receive a free 60-minute Classic Massage. VidaSpas.com
