Yoga Ananda Charities supported

Vanamali Ashram, Rishikesh

Vanamali Gita Yogashram is a small ashram (spiritual retreat and place of aspiration.) nestling at the foot of the Himalayas beside the beautiful river Ganga in the holy city of Rishikesh, North India. Vanamali is another name for Lord Krishna, who is the Lord and Master of Vanamali Ashram. A very dear friend of the Centre, Sri Vanamal Devi (pictured left) is the spiritual light behind the ashram and its work.

The Ashram adopted a small village in the hills called Gajja. This is a very poor Garwal village. Old clothes are collected from all over the world and distributed. The few government schools are in a very poor state and every year, Mataji distributes sweaters and uniforms.The girls have now been taught to make wild flower cards. These cards are unique and deserve help from people all over the world to sell them since the money from them go a long way in helping these poor villagers.  You can purchase cards at the Centre, and from our online shop.  For more details, see the Ashram website here.

Seva - Service -  The Ashram is also actively engaged in helping the village children. Every Sunday they are taught songs and the basic rules of hygiene by Mataji and are given milk and biscuits. On special occasions they are given feasts. All of them get school uniforms and sweaters and blankets in winter. New clothes are given for the festival of Diwali (a different time of year to our Christmas but also a time of giving) and old clothes are also collected and distributed. Yoga Ananda Centre hopes to contribute to the Ashram's efforts on an ongoin basis, and will be running fundraisers, as well as selling the handmade cards.
 

St Catherine's Hospice

St Catherine's hospice is a charity that is dedicated to providing specialised end-of-life care and support to local people in Reigate/Redhill, and their families, friends and carers.  More details on their website here: The Centre is supporting the charity with some of our events, for example the 108 Sun Salutations project.