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From The Heart

After tearing through numerous other yoga mats a year I decided that if I was going to take my practice more seriously, that I had to take my mat more seriously. I upgraded to a Black Mat PRO and have never looked back. I can always come to practice on it and feel like I am being nurtured and protected.

-Andrew Rosenstock
Paro, Bhutan

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Giving Back

Manduka recognizes an organization or individual each month for sharing the gift of yoga with those in need by donating yoga gear to support their cause.

February 1st, 2010

Daraja Academy

Manduka recently gifted yoga mats to the girls at the Daraja Academy in Kenya. Daraja is a boarding high school for girls from remote tribes and the slums of Nairobi. These are girls who would not be educated beyond eighth grade if it weren't for the Daraja Academy.

Through a very competitive process based on elementary school performance, need, and passion for learning, these girls have been given the opportunity to change their lives, their communities and their country.

The girls were so excited about each having her own special mat, as part of a two-week yoga-intensive program. In general, the girls were very open to learning yoga – one third of the girls enjoyed the relaxation and physical movement; one third related to the philosophy and call to honor ourselves and each other; and one third really absorbed the power of yoga to transform their lives. One girl stepped up to start a yoga club and lead her classmates in daily practice.

Despite being orphans, abused or forced to hard-labor from a very young age, the girls of Daraja school are proud, determined, and powerful young women who will bring change to Kenya. Daraja is a safe haven for them, where they can focus on themselves and their educations. Yoga was a great addition to their curriculum.

For more information or to become involved, please visit www.daraja-academy.com.

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November 1st, 2009

PEACE

Founded in 2005, PEACE (www.peacemexico.org) is a non-profit organization, located in the Punta de Mita region of Mexico, north of Puerto Vallarta. PEACE acts as an umbrella organization for four main programs, Casa Comunidad (Community House), Ayuda a los Animales (Help The Animals), United Hands for Women (Manos Unidas por la Mujer) and Orgullo en la Comunidad (Community Pride).

PEACE works hand in hand with communities to develop and implement appropriate community programs to enhance the quality of life for all. English classes, after-school programs, recycling initiatives, and a free mobile spay/neuter clinic are among the various projects.

Casa Comunidad Director, Nikhol Esterás Roberts, teaches free yoga classes to kindergartners and their mothers once weekly at the kindergarten in Punta de Mita. Manduka donated 10 yoga mats to the class!

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July 1st, 2009

Yoga Ed.

Tasha Flint found yoga to be the pillar of strength that she so much needed to get out of the "at risk" lifestyle that was consuming her life. This inspired her to work with adolescents who were struggling due to substance abuse, physical/emotional abuse, and lack of support and resources. She discovered Yoga Ed. while researching different yoga organizations that specialize in working with youth, and found their work and vision admirable. She now works with several organizations for disadvantaged and at risk youth, teaching them mind body techniques to self regulate, improve communication skills, and build trust and self love. Manduka donated yoga mats to Tasha to help her continue to help deliver the positive effects of yoga to brighten the lives and futures of her young students. www.yogaed.org

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May 1st, 2009

The Caring for Carcinoid Foundation

Manduka donated mats to the The Caring for Carcinoid Foundation. Carcinoid is a deadly neuroendocrine cancer, currently with no cure. The Caring for Carcinoid Foundation (CFCF) is the only 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to discovering a cure for carcinoid cancer. The vision of CFCF is to eliminate the suffering of patients, families and caregivers affected by carcinoid and related neuroendocrine tumors. At the inaugural Awareness Weekend in March of 2009, CFCF wanted to provide patients with a relaxing yoga session, from which they could take away valuable tools to continue practicing at home. Manduka provided each CFCF patient with their own high-performance yoga mat, and Manduka Ambassador Kishan Shah led a morning Vinyasa Yoga session, providing patients with the necessary foundation to begin a therapeutic home practice.

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April 1st, 2009

Sexual Assault Awareness Month

In recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April, Manduka gave the PROlite in the color 'Purple' to The Rape Foundation.

The Rape Foundation provides rape treatment, prevention, and education. It was created to support programs that provide expert and compassionate care for victims, and to work to change the conditions, practices, and attitudes that keep victims silent. In April, The Rape Foundation launched what will become a global campaign in recognition of "Sexual Assault Awareness Month". In support of these efforts, Manduka contributed a portion of each purchase of the PROlite Yoga Mat in the color ‘Purple’ to The Rape Foundation.

For more information, please visit www.911rape.org

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