YogaWorks supports global effort

YogaWorks is joining forces with Whole Foods Market to bring local attention to the World Planet Foundation.

Through June 30, YogaWorks will offer complimentary twoweek memberships, valued at $80, to Whole Foods Market shoppers in Southern California who donate $10 or more to the Whole Planet Foundation.

In addition, YogaWorks will donate a percentage of proceeds from new student sales to the foundation.

The Whole Planet Foundation, started by Whole Foods Market in 2005, grants small loans to women in the developing world so that they can start homebased businesses. This direct microcredit system, developed by Dr. Muhammad Yunus and Grameen Bank, enables borrowers to make money through their own entrepreneurial efforts, thus empowering them to rise out of poverty.

"This promotion is about enabling people to create prosperity for themselves while educating consumers in making healthy food and fitness choices," said Phil Swain, president and CEO of YogaWorks. "We applaud the Whole Planet Foundation for their efforts and look forward to helping them attain their international philanthropic goals and garnering community support."

YogaWorks will also host complimentary fundraising classes to support the foundation during the promotional period in participating studios. Each participating Whole Foods Market will also have YogaWorks yoga advisers in stores on Saturday mornings to discuss yoga and the foundation.

In addition, YogaWorks introduces yoga poses each month printed on 4-by-6-inch cards distributed at Whole Foods Market stores. Each theme features a 15-minute yoga sequence, which culminates in a lead "pose of the month" that encourages consumers to connect with the body, mind and planet.

For more information about the foundation, visit www.wholeplanetfoundation.org.