Lululemon, Red Cross Team Up For Yoga Classes

Beginning on Saturday, the Colonial Crossroads Chapter of the American Red Cross will offer a series of free, one-hour yoga classes on the lawn of their Summit headquarters at its house at 695 Springfield Avenue. The Red Cross joined forces with the lululemon athletica's Summit Showroom, makers of yoga-inspired athletic apparel, in order to create this 6-week yoga series for the community.

"We were approached by Marguerite White of lululemon for the classes,' explained Elissa Cordrey, Director of Development and Marketing of the American Red Cross.  "The company was looking for a nice space to host free classes and partner with an organization that served and supported the overall health and wellness of the general community," said Cordrey.  The American Red Cross certainly fit the criteria. 

Last year this particular American Red Cross chapter trained more than 18,000 individuals in lifesaving skills, including CPR, Babysitting, Lifeguarding and First Aid.  They also provided free transportation to 4,500 ambulatory senior citizens and responded to more than 20 disasters, providing relief to victims of emergencies, ranging from fires and floods to literally, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.  Many Summit residents don't realize that The American Red Cross is on call for the community 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

"We immediately received lots of phone messages from friends of Red Cross and personal friends and acquaintances in Summit have also reached out for more information.  The idea of a blended class in such a peaceful setting is really appealing to a wide audience," Cordrey said. 

Everyone involved in this endeavor is very excited. Marguerite White, Assistant Showroom Manager at Lululemon, said "a big part of lululemon's mission statement is giving back to the community.  We want to educate and help others live a healthier life."

Lululemon atheltica is a yoga-inspired apparel company that started in Vancouver BC in 1998.  The company now has 100 stores, with a Summit branch located at 382 Springfield Avenue, 517.

The class on June 19 will be led by Megan Hait, founder of Blissful Living in Chatham. Hait established her Chatham studio over a year ago.

"I am a Lululemon ambassador and was asked to participate in this community event. I am so excited and honored to be part of this,"Hait said. She hopes to be invited back to lead future classes.

Classes will be tailored for both beginners and advanced yoga practitioners. Light refreshments and a drawing for a free yoga mat and water bottle will follow each class. The first class will also feature a drawing for a free gift certificate for classes as Blissful Living in Chatham. No reservations are needed; just bring a yoga mat or towel. Participants will be able to tour the Red Cross chapter house and learn more about their upcoming health activities and events. Those who register for a blood drive or class will have their names entered into a drawing to win a lululemon yoga mat and water bottle. 

All classes, taught by various Lululemon Ambassadors or local yoga instructors, will be held from 9 a.m.-10 a.m. on the lawn of the Red Cross at 695 Springfield Ave., Summit. If there is inclimate weather, they will cancel the class by 7 a.m. that morning. It will be posted on lululemon's Web site.

The schedule is as follows:

Saturday, June 19

Wednesday, June 30

Saturday, July 17

Wednesday, July 28

Saturday, Aug. 7

Wednesday, Aug. 18

Namaste!