Sunday, February 22nd marked the third annual Power of Movement, the world’s largest yoga fundraiser in support of the Arthritis & Autoimmunity Research Centre (AARC). Organized into “mega sessions” across the country, do-gooders and yoga aficionados came together nationwide to practice yoga, raise awareness, fundraise, and breathe. The Toronto mega session was held at the Wellesley Community Centre, providing two time slots to work out your karma.

Power of Movement appeals to the au courant who live and breathe spirituality, organics, and social consciousness. The environment at the Toronto mega session was bright and blissful on a beautiful Sunday morning. Toronto’s hottest yoga butts were in attendance, clad in a sea of Lululemon apparel. Whole Foods provided delectable organic treats and goody bags.

The woman behind the mega sessions is Erin Moraghan, who was dually impassioned to create this event as both a Moksha yoga instructor and the senior development officer at the AARC.

Moraghan is sensitive and passionate about her cause. She revealed that she was initially drawn to yoga for its restorative purposes, to de-stress and address the pain of arthritis that came about as a result of a joint injury.

An alarming 4.5 million Canadians are living with some form of arthritis, and many of the afflicted are young men and women. It’s a common misconception that arthritis and autoimmunity conditions are a plight of the elderly. In fact, the charitable event was created to honour the struggle of Dorna Chee, a young mother who used yoga to ease her pain. Exercise became the vehicle that brought her comfort and strength. Moraghan adds, “People feel empowered taking control of chronic pain. Johns Hopkins has done studies on the positive effects of yoga for people with rheumatoid arthritis. Doctors are starting to sit up and take notice.”

Teaming up with Moksha Yoga created perfect harmony for Moraghan and the AARC. Moksha’s website describes themselves as “a group of independent hot yoga studios committed to ethical, compassionate, and environmentally conscious living. We strive to collectively communicate that the benefits of yoga are limitless and accessible to all.”

Accessibility was an important theme at Power of Movement—not only was the event free, but those unable to attend a mega session for distance or health reasons were encouraged to practice at home via sponsor myyogaonline.com, or at yoga studios nationwide that joined in on the challenge. For those confined to their homes due to arthritic pain or any affliction, this was a way to connect. Moraghan comments, “It’s a gentle practice—it welcomes everyone to it.”

When asked about the overwhelming success of the Power of Movement, Moraghan credits her colleagues at Moksha. “Moksha supports forward thinking and was committed to trying to bring the message through a unique approach. Power of Movement went national and happened so fast because of the Moksha community. They really understand.”

Last year’s event boasted 250 participants, raising over $50,000 in Toronto alone. This year, the Power of Movement mega sessions went national, featuring locations in 10 major Canadian cities. POM 2009 received unprecedented media and sponsorship attention, with the fundraising meter on powerofmovement.ca sitting above $200,000.

All told, the event featured 1,000 people across Canada at mega sessions and yoga studios, practicing yoga and creating an outpouring of good will. POM volunteer and U of T alum Lillian Lourenco summed up the spirit of the event: “Imagine that every time you are exercising for your own health, you are saving the lives of others.”

POM attendee Ann Marie Deboran agreed. “It’s an excellent cause that draws the community and the country together in a way that benefits everyone involved. The participants benefit from the incredible workout and the positive environment, and the charity receives attention and generous donations. The word yoga means union, and that’s what I think Power of Movement is—a union between yourself and those in need.”

To check out the initiative or to donate online, visit powerofmovement.ca.