Six cats and four dogs are doing their part to raise money for the Brooksong Retreat and Cancer Support Centre’s sixth annual Haliburton Highlands Challenge.
Felines Fitz, Ella, Peaches, Champers, Luna, and Thomas and canines Poppy, Billy Rose, Nora and Henrick have been taking to their yoga mats – along with their human companions – to raise money for the Haliburton County-based charity.
The squad – dubbed Furball Yogis – is just one of 13 teams and more than 50 participants taking part in this year’s challenge, which is running until Sept. 2.
Team organizer, Lynda Shadbolt, said, “Brooksong provides a soft place to land and experiences of belonging and care for so many individuals and families impacted by cancer. Team Furball is all about soft places to land. We embrace the work that Brooksong does for people in Haliburton and across the country.”
She said the furballs’ challenge is to join their humans on their yoga mats for 62 days, every day in July and August, when they practice yoga, qigong, meditation and relaxation.
Speaking on behalf of the animals, she added, “we love to breathe, stretch, nap and sometimes take over the whole mat. We excel at deep relaxation.”
Shadbolt said people can receive a Zoom link for gentle furball yoga classes by signing up at furballyogis@gmail.com. They can donate money on the Brooksong HHC page.
“Our intention is to have fun, appreciate nature, life, share good vibes and raise money for a great cause,” Shadbolt said.
Emma James, who is working on the retreat on behalf of Brooksong this summer, said they’re nearly half way through the challenge “and the momentum is incredible. The outpouring of support has been nothing short of inspiring.”
As of July 29, the challenge has raised nearly $38,000 towards its $100,000 goal.
Executive director Barbara Smith Morrison said they are delighted to have their first corporate team this year as well.
“I think that the HHC has become something really special through the years. There’s fun and solidarity along with a shared belief that there is a powerful kind of healing when we come together as a community.
“Our HHC fundraisers and donors are a mix of people who are volunteers, staff, program alumni and people who believe deeply in Brooksong’s work – providing support that reminds people they are seen, belong and don’t have to face cancer alone.”
On July 20, Hook, Line and Sinker in Haliburton hosted a Brooksong day between 5 and 8 p.m. and Sweat Social is hosting a ‘sweat for support’ workout Aug. 23 between 9-10 a.m. Morrison added, “there will be other fun Brooksong days across the County before the end of August.”
Go to www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/ brooksong/p2p/HHC2025/ to donate.
