The owner of Bikram Yoga Comox Valley has launched a fun little fundraiser that is helping the Comox Valley Child Development Association raise awareness — and a few dollars, too.
Natasha Milanovich is pregnant with twins, due in April. In a playful gesture of support for the CVCDA, she’s challenging people to guess the date and time of the twins’ arrival. The prize for the answer nearest the exact date and time is a six-month studio membership (value approximately $500). All proceeds from the draw go to CVCDA.
“The idea came from the experience of one of our students,” says Natasha. “Erin Boelk’s daughter Tori is one of the children who benefits from what the association does in our community.
"Erin says that her regular yoga practice is one of the ways she keeps herself healthy. As someone about to be a parent with my own set of challenges — I’m about to be a new mom with the instant handful of twins — I thought it’d be great to do something for CVCDA.”
Tori spent her first year in the intensive care unit at BC Children’s Hospital.
“I started the yoga as a way to deal with all the stress of having her in the hospital,” Erin says. “When we came home, I continued practicing. It gives me a mental break from dealing with all of Tori’s medical care and things that go along with it.”
And, she adds, “It’s a great workout!”
Tori gets her own kind of workout at the Child Development Association — physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, as well as participating in the infant development group and supported child development.
“The people at the association are amazing!” says Erin. “We are really lucky to have all those resources available to us here. It makes such a huge difference for these kids. I have no doubt that Tori wouldn’t be where she is today without all their help.”
Healthy families are an important part of kids doing well at CVCDA, says Lorraine Aitken, the executive director. “Families with children with special needs need a strong network of support and their own program of self-care.
"It’s great to see what Erin is doing, and we’re thrilled that Natasha and Bikram Yoga Comox Valley are doing this fundraiser. It helps people understand what we do here at CVCDA, and what Erin’s doing is a good example of how family members are looking after themselves.”
To enter the Bikram Yoga Comox Valley draw, visit the studio at 362 D 10th Street in Courtenay (next to United Carpets). Put a toonie in the box. Write down your guess for the date and time of arrival of Natasha’s babes, along with your name and contacts. Put that into another box. Keep your eye on the BYCV Facebook page or website for news of the twins’ arrival.
The Comox Valley Child Development Association (CVCDA) provides services for children with developmental delays and disabilities including physical, cognitive, communication, social/emotional and behavioural needs. Family services include assessments, individualized supports and intervention.
For more information, visit www.cvcda.ca or call 250-338-4288.
— Bikram Yoga