An event is slated for next week in Tsawwassen aimed at raising funds while giving participants a good laugh.
Susan Vanderwerff has teamed up with daughter Janelle Vanderwerff to present a laughter yoga class on Tuesday, April 15 at 7 p.m. in the gym at South Park Elementary.
The long-time Tsawwassen family is putting on the event as a fundraiser for younger daughter Chelsea Vanderwerff, 23, a third-year nursing student.
Chelsea is raising money to go to Namibia to complete her nursing practicum. While there she will volunteer in the pediatric ward of a hospital, helping children affected by HIV and AIDS.
She leaves for Africa April 24.
Chelsea has held other
fundraisers for her trip, but Susan and Janelle, who are both certified laughter yoga leaders, decided they wanted to help out with their own event.
Laughter yoga is described as a series of movement and breathing exercises designed to stimulate laughter and cultivate an inner spirit of joy.
It is a technique that invites laughter without using jokes or humour, and combines a blend of yoga-based deep breathing, gentle stretching, simulated laughter exercises, and playful games and activities.
The Vanderwerff family is well known in the community, having been involved in many activities, including soccer, squash, music and volleyball.
"Our experience in this community has been a lot of fun and we enjoy living in this community that we have found very compassionate and generous," Susan said.
"We're excited to see a lot of familiar faces."
Admission to the laughter yoga session costs $20 for adults and $10 for students.
Anyone interested in participating can register via email at [email protected].
Chelsea Vanderwerff has also set up a fundraising page at www.gofundme.com/7bp62o.
